Authorities search for owner of neglected pit bull found in a garbage bag

Temperatures were dropping fast acrossthe Philadelphia region Tuesday morning when a woman walking her dog spotted a garbage bag in the middle of Wissahickon Valley Park.

When the woman approached, she saw the head of a pit bull peering out. The light brown dog with a white stripe between its eyes was shivering and emaciated. The woman called the PSPCA, and two officers soon arrived and took the animal to a shelter for care.

Now the PSPCA, whose staffers have named the pit bull mix Cranberry in honor of the Thanksgiving season, is seeking the public’s help.

“Our goal is to make sure that not only does the animal survive but that we find who’s responsible for this horrific act of cruelty,” Nicole Wilson, director of PSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement, said in a news release.

Wilson credited the good Samaritan for her quick action, but said the dog had been severely neglected.

“Cranberry was found to be in emaciated condition, and is being cared for by the PSPCA’s Shelter Hospital team. She is currently in guarded condition,” she said.

The PSPCA, which is entirely donor-funded, has set up a donation page to help Cranberry on her road to recovery. Visit pspca.org/cranberryto learn more.

Anyone with information about who left Cranberry in the park should call the PSPCA at 866-601-7722. Tips can be left anonymously.