Pit bull-mix recovering after being abandoned

Frankie Nobles, lead animal control officer for Vance County Animal Control, said Friday that the dog, named Hope, is expected to make a full recovery. She has scabies and heartworms and is so emaciated that workers have described her as "a walking skeleton," he said.

Hope, who is approximately 2 or 3 years old, was found Tuesday morning in the parking lot of the animal shelter, and animal control officers are unsure who dropped her off or how long she was there.

If found, her owner could face animal cruelty charges.

"We're very upset, and we'd really love to know who turned this dog over," Nobles said. "We need the help of the public. Our community needs to gather around and just get us some information."

The Vance County Humane Society is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction.

Nobles said that, once Hope has fully recovered, the shelter will contact out-of-state rescue groups in an attempt to help her find a permanent home.

Animal control is also looking into installing security cameras, which are currently only inside the shelter, outside the facility, as a result of Hope's case, Nobles said.