Fort Lauderdale police opens animal abuse case after rescuing dog

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Police officers opened an animal abuse case after finding a weak French bulldog mix on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale, police said.

The police officers turned the dog over to iHeart Animal Rescue, a nonprofit organization that helps animals in need of veterinary care, police said.

Cindy Mucciaccio and Cheryl Marrone, who both work for the nonprofit organization, said they named the neglected dog “Miracle” — because that was their hope.

“She suffered a lot,” Marrone said.

Police officers responded after a couple found the dog in the parking lot of the Walgreens along West Broward Boulevard, near Interstate 95.

The malnourished and injured dog has been undergoing care at the Veterinary Emergency Group at 1620 North Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale.

Detectives asked anyone with information about this or other cases to call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477 to remain anonymous.

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Jenise Fernandez

Jenise Fernandez

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Andrea Torres

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.