Dog found left for weeks tied by wire to stairs in Upper Darby home (caution: graphic)

Animal cruelty prevention officers in suburban Philadelphia recently rescued a dog that was left tied with a wire to a bannister inside an Upper Darby home for three to four weeks.

“Clover,” as the six-month-old shepherd-pit bull terrier mix was named by Delco SPCA staff, was discovered by the Upper Darby home’s property manager, who contacted Humane Society police officer Ron Riggle.

Clover was found in a home on Clover Lane in Upper Darby tied to a bannister with a cable wire, which she chewed herself free from. She is believed to have been left in these conditions for three to four weeks.

“We’re lucky that she didn’t decapitate herself, starve to death, or both,” Riggle said in a statement.

The Delco SPCAprovided emergency surgery “to clean and remove the diseased tissue,” according to a press release. The Delco SPCA said she will require follow-up procedures to “repair her destroyed neck muscles” and her care is estimated to cost more than $3,000.

The dog is doing fine, according to the DelcloSPCA.

” Clover’s disposition is as if nothing is wrong,” the Delco SPCA said in a press release.

Riggle is currently investigating the case “to prosecute the person responsible for the cruelty,” according to the Delco SPCA.

“Any possible charges can’t yet be discussed due to the sensitivity of the case but we are taking the damages done to Clover very seriously and prepared to do whatever it takes to keep Clover safe and bring her justice,” spokeswoman Justina Calgiano said in a statement.

An underweight but otherwise unharmed female cat, named “Charmer” by the SPCA, was also found in the home.

Visitdelcospca.orgto donate online to Clover’s care, or send a donationto the Delco SPCA at 555 Sandy Bank Road, Media, PA 19063.