NCDA: Dog Missing Over A Year Found In 'Horrifying Condition' In Hempstead

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Authorities in Nassau County said they are looking for two persons of interest after a dog that went missing more than a year ago was found abandoned and injured in Hempstead.

The poodle-mix dog named Nino was found by an employee of a veterinary clinic around 9 a.m. Tuesday.

"The dog was so badly injured that it was practically lifeless, left at the doorstep of the clinic," Madeline Singas, acting Nassau County District Attorney told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall. "It was a combination of just neglect and abuse that left this animal completely helpless."

The dog, which was sitting on a small bed outside the clinic's entryway, was covered in bloody bandages and was suffering from open wounds, authorities said.

Nino was taken to an animal shelter for treatment, where it was determined that he was suffering from bacterial infections, skin lesions, trauma and other injuries, authorities said.

Nassau County prosecutors said investigators were able to obtain a video that shows two women walking near the animal clinic about an hour before Nino was found.

One of the women, who was seen pushing a cart, briefly leaves the frame and returns without the cart and is holding what appears to be a wrapped package, prosecutors said. She then drops the package in front of the animal clinic and quickly walks away.

Nino was later identified from a microchip implant. His owner reported that he went missing from her yard more than a year ago. The pooch had been given to his owner by her daughter as a birthday present in 2000.

Prosecutors said the woman in the video does not match the description of the owner and said the owner is not the subject of an investigation.

"This beloved dog went missing from his owner and more than a year later was found discarded and in horrifying condition on a Hempstead street," Acting Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said in a statement. "Those who harm innocent animals, often hurt people, and we're seeking the public's help to find the criminal who stole and abused this innocent animal."

After getting stabilizing medical care, Nino was transferred to a private veterinary facility where he will be reunited with his owner.

"While I am heartened that this dog will be returned to a loving home, this case marks yet another example of why we need to strengthen animal cruelty laws in New York State," Singas said. "I thank the Town of Hempstead Animal Control for its quick referral on this case."

Anyone with information is asked to call the NCDA's Animal Crimes Unit 24-hour tip line at 516-571-7755, option 8. Calls may be anonymous.