EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The Animal Rescue League of El Paso is asking for the public’s help after a dog was found in severe condition in Northeast El Paso over the weekend.

The dog, now named Novak, is believed to be around 15 years old. He was found Sunday, July 12, in an alley with a rope around his neck and fur so severely matted it covered his eyes, ears and feet. He did not have a microchip or any other identification that could help rescuers determine where he came from.

With the help of a local groomer, rescuers spent several hours carefully removing the matted fur. Despite the condition he was found in, the rescue said Novack did not appear to be malnourished.

“This is the worst I’ve seen,” Loretta Hyde with the Animal Rescue League of El Paso said. “Somebody had to see this baby.”

The Animal Rescue League is now offering a reward for information that could help identify where Novack came from and how he ended up in that condition.

Hyde said Novack’s rescue was not an isolated incident. In the days leading up to his rescue, the organization also took in two other dogs that were found in poor condition in separate incidents across the region.

“There are so many dogs out there that need help, that need people to speak up for them. I need people to step up. I need them when they see something, say something so that they don’t have to suffer and they don’t have to endure the cruelty,” Hyde said.

One of those dogs has since been adopted. Novak and another dog are continuing to recover while waiting for their forever homes.

The Animal Rescue League is encouraging anyone with information about Novak’s case to come forward. This warning also serves as a reminder to pet owners who are no longer able to care for their animals to reach out to a rescue organization rather than allowing them to suffer.

Under Texas law, animal cruelty offenses can range from Class A misdemeanors to felony charges, depending on the circumstances of the case.

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