Two enforcement agencies are prosecuting a Sharon woman in what a Humane Society of Mercer County spokeswoman called "probably one of the worst cruelty and neglect cases we've ever run across that has still lived."

Sandi Drabick, executive director of the society, said the agency has taken over the financial responsibility for the care of a starved female Rottweiler, Sadie, and four of her puppies.

Chief Dog Warden Kathy Whiteman and Sharon police ordered the mother and pups removed from the care of Linda Phillips, 38, of 323 Malleable St., at about 10 a.m. Wednesday, Ms. Whiteman said.

While Ms. Phillips claimed 3-year-old Sadie was poisoned, Ms. Whiteman said the absence of feeding dishes and feces led her to believe it was starving.

"It has no muscle mass at all," said Dr. Craig Kryger, associate at Baker Pet Hospital in Clark, who started treating Sadie on Wednesday. "It was basically skin over bones."

He said he agreed the dog had not been poisoned but was "grossly emaciated" and dehydrated, which was causing seizures.