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Animal lovers concerned over dog at pet store

Posted at 5:56 PM, Feb 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-12 21:58:22-05

People on social media were outraged about the health of a puppy they found in a Henderson pet store.  

Several people took to Facebook, concerned about the health of a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy at Petland in Henderson. I...

Posted by Marissa Kynaston on Friday, February 12, 2016

"Is it ok for a puppy to look like that?  I don't think any reasonable citizen is going to believe that this puppy looks healthy," says Gina Greisen with Nevada Voters for Animals.  

13 Action News went to the pet store to see for ourselves, and took cell phone video from inside the store.  The puppy looks to be skin and bones, with his ribs protruding from his chest.  

Animal control stopped by Petland in Henderson this morning, and said this Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy was healthy, and could remain on display. He's 3 months, 13 pounds.

Posted by Marissa Kynaston on Friday, February 12, 2016

A picture of the puppy circulated last night, and by the time the store opened Friday morning, several people were already there checking in on the puppy.  

This sweet baby boy is at petland by the Wal-Mart on Sunset. For obvious reasons we voiced our concerns about his weight...

Posted by Monique Magnumm on Thursday, February 11, 2016

"It broke my heart," says one visitor, Vicki Callahan.  "I know what my boy looked like at three months." 

At three months old, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is only 13 pounds, according to those working at Petland.  His weight isn't the only thing concerning those who came to visit him.  

"He should be a little more animated than what he is," says Callahan.  

Animal Control stopped by Friday morning, and said even though the dog is thin, he is healthy.  Animal Control said they will be monitoring the puppy's weight, health, and conditions, and expect to check back in within a week.    

13 Action News showed a local veterinarian, Dr. Christopher Yach, the video from outside the dog's display case.  Yach says without examining the puppy, he thinks he is "severely underweight" and should be under constant vet care, not on display.  

Gina Greisen with Nevada Voters for Animals says voters should bring their concerns to the city.  "If you're outraged by this and you don't believe that this puppy looks healthy, contact your elected official and tell the, that's what we need," says Greisen.  

The city of Las Vegas recently voted to ban the retail sale of non-rescue dogs and cats on January 6, which means pet stores will soon only be allowed to sell dogs from rescue organizations or shelters.  
 
The ban will take effect in 2018. 
 
Las Vegas was the first municipality in Nevada to pass this ban, but others seem to be willing to follow suit. 
 
The city of Henderson has said they will look into something similar, but no action has been made yet.