Emaciated Mastiff recovering after owner arrested on neglect charges

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - The Charleston Animal Society says Miles Davis, the "severely emaciated" 10-year-old Mastiff is picking up weight on his way to recovery.

Charleston Animal Society spokesperson Kay Hyman says Miles has gained seven-and-a-half pounds in just three days.

The dog was brought to the organization after its owner was arrested Wednesday. Veterinarians at the animal society say Miles weighed 75 pounds when they took him in, half what he should have weighed.

Christian Fohnoe, 25, was charged with cruelty to animals, according to Charleston Police spokesman Charles Francis.

Police say a neighbor alerted authorities about the dog's condition.

Officers described the dog, named Miles Davis, as "severely emaciated with the rib cage being visible, the legs on the dog lacking muscle tone and the animal's backbone being visible through the skin," according to the incident report.

Police said the dog had mange covering his face, legs, sides and back and open sores on his hind legs and stomach, the report states.

Fohnoe told police he bought the dog as a puppy 10 years ago from an Augusta pet store and that he is the only person who takes care of the dog.

Police said the area where the dog slept was a closet in the upstairs bedroom that was covered with garbage, animal waste and pieces of the dog's bed that had been torn apart. Police said the dog's food and water bowls were located in the kitchen, and both were empty.

Police found the kitchen floor "completely coated" with garbage that included a tire, knives, beer cans and bottles; old bags of dog food, empty dog food cans, the report states.

Police transported the dog to an emergency veterinary care facility for treatment, and the dog was later transferred to the care of the Charleston Animal Society.

CAS spokesman Dan Krosse said the dog was also dehydrated and is being treated for mange and other possible ailments, Krosse said.

"We are hopeful Miles can make a full recovery," CAS Dr. Lucy Fuller said. "We have started his treatment and are keeping a very close eye on his progress."

Miles will be placed in a foster home pending the outcome of the trial.

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