A 39-year-old Safety Harbor woman was arrested on an animal cruelty charge after investigators said her dog was found severely emaciated and struggling to stand.
According to a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit, a witness contacted Animal Services after seeing Schmit, a 2- to 3-year-old neutered male pit bull mix, in poor condition and fearing he might die. A veterinarian assessed the 34-pound dog’s body condition as 1 out of 9, describing him as extremely emaciated. The affidavit said his ribs, spine and pelvic bones were visible, and he had no discernible body fat and an obvious loss of muscle.
Veterinarians found no underlying medical condition that would explain Schmit’s condition, according to the affidavit. After receiving regular feedings, the dog showed consistent weight gain…