LAURENS COUNTY, SC (RNN) - A South Carolina woman has been charged after she reportedly "intentionally starved" a dog for months.
Elizabeth James, 30, is charged with ill treatment of animals, according to the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office.
The rescue group Rescue Dogs Rock NYC said that James, "an angry ex-girlfriend," starved Champ, a Rottweiler-mastiff mix, while she continued to feed her other dogs.
"This is animal abuse!" the rescue group said in a post.
The dog was rescued Tuesday after a passerby spotted it tied up and alerted authorities, the rescue group said in a post. The dog was apparently left with James by an ex-boyfriend.
The 16-month-old dog, which should weigh 110 pounds, is below half that at 50 pounds, according to a veterinarian.
"Inhumane treatment of animals will not be tolerated on my watch. No animals should have to go without food an water," said Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds in a news release.
As of Thursday, Champ remained in critical condition. Rescue Dogs Rock NYC has launched a fundraiser for the dog and has raised more than $1,000.
The dog had been in James’ possession for six months.
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