Emporia woman charged with animal neglect after PETA finds malnourished puppy

EMPORIA, Va. (WRIC) -- An Emporia woman has been charged after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) fieldworkers learned she was neglecting a puppy.

According to PETA, Nakita Michelle Gilbert was charged with inadequate animal care by an owner after they found a malnourished puppy with an untreated infection that left his skin red, swollen and in some areas, raw and bloody.

Cameron (Photo: PETA)

Cameron (Photo: PETA)

“Rather than seeking the care this puppy urgently needed, his owner simply tossed him in a trash-strewn yard and left him to suffer in agony around the clock,” said PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “While he’s now on the road to recovery, countless other dogs remain chained outside and neglected, which is why PETA urges everyone to report cruelty to animals in their communities, as it can save lives.”

In March, PETA told authorities about the dog's living conditions after Gilbert reportedly refused to give him the proper care. As a result, authorities gave PETA custody of the puppy named Cameron, who is now in the care of a PETA fieldworker, while he waits to be adopted.

The Emporia Police Department said Gilbert has been charged with the following:

• Fail to provide veterinary care to prevent suffering or disease transmission
• Fail to have dog vaccinated for rabies
• No dog license due to this incident

PETA's fieldworkers reportedly visit thousands of neglected dogs, often ones forced outside and are often "deprived of veterinary care, exercise, companionship, or even a kind word and are kept confined to the same few square feet of space day in and day out," the organization said.

There is no further information as of the time of reporting.