St. Louis Co. Sheriff’s Office Makes Arrest In ‘Severe Animal Neglect Case’

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office announced an arrest Monday evening in what investigators call “a severe animal neglect case.”

The Sheriff’s Office posted on social media to say a pit bull named Gio was brought to Animal Allies barely clinging to life.  And after attempts to save its life, Gio, who was also known as Lovebug, died.

The suspect was taken to jail on preliminary felony charges of animal neglect, according to the post.

FOX 21 does not normally name suspects until they are formally charged by the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office.

Meanwhile over the weekend, Animal Allies posted on social media about Gio being found in a ditch not far from the shelter. He was unable to walk on his own and the Animal Allies team believed he had been locked in a kennel for quite some time, according to their post.

Gio’s death highlights a bigger problem involving owners who can’t or don’t properly take care of their animals for all types of reasons.  Just last month, Animal Allies received 77 surrender requests.

So Monday, Animal Allies put out a plea to the public that it’s never too late to do the right thing. And if you see or suspect animal neglect, call 911 or file a report at mnfedhs.org.