by Daniel Duric, Newport Dispatch

ST. ALBANS — A local man was arrested on charges of felony cruelty to animals after a neglected dog was rescued from his property, the St. Albans Police Department announced Thursday.

The dog, a 1.5-year-old Rottweiler named Hank, was discovered in a dire state at a residence on Fisher Pond Road.

The nonprofit organization For the Love of Dogs Vermont rescued the canine, who had lost about 77 pounds and was left without food, water, electricity, or heat for an extended period.

Following an investigation, authorities determined that the dog had been abandoned by its owner weeks before the initial report of abuse.

On Dec. 24, police took 34-year-old Kyle Gratton into custody, charging him with felony cruelty to animals under 13 VSA 352.

Gratton is scheduled to appear in the Franklin County Superior Courthouse on Feb. 4 at 8:30 a.m.

Hank is currently receiving ongoing medical care at a local veterinary clinic due to the neglect he suffered.

The St. Albans Police Department is urging anyone with information about this case or other criminal activities to come forward and contact them at (802) 524-2166 or via their website and social media platforms.