Callaway Co. man faces charges for dog abuse

A Callaway County man faces animal abuse charges after allegedly causing a dog to suffer after not taking him to the vet for medical attention.

According to court documents, on July 8, an animal control officer went to check on animals at 615 Vine Street in Fulton after getting a call to check on their condition.

The officer saw two huskies laying on the front porch that were both very thin and had skin issues.

The officer noted there were two bowls for food and water on the porch that were both empty.

After seeing the dogs, the officer applied for a warrant to remove the dogs from the home after the owner had been given several warnings to care for the dogs.

The next day, animal control and Fulton Police arrived to search the home to remove the dogs.

The officer found a male husky inside a bedroom laying at the foot of the bed.

The dog was having trouble breathing, and yelped when touched. He appeared to be dehydrated and was very thin and uncomfortable.

The dog also had fleas and green mucus coming from one of his eyes, and lost control of his bodily functions when picked up.

The officer said she was unsure if the dog would live long enough to be seen by a vet when animal control attempted to take the dog from the home.

The dog was examined by a Callaway County vet and was recommended to be euthanized because he was suffering and his chance of survival was grave.

54-year-old Lionel Hawk is charged with animal abuse and neglect.