WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - A Williston woman was arrested and charged with animal cruelty after neglecting her pet.

Police say they noticed Melberta Solano’s dog last month during a dispute call. Officers say the dog had a bone protruding from its left leg, and its fur was extremely matted.

Solano’s relative told police the dog has been in that condition for months. She claims Solano couldn’t take the dog to the vet because Solano would go to jail.

Police took the dog to a veterinarian, who had to amputate the leg. They said the matted fur cut off blood flow and was acting like a tourniquet. The vet also mentioned the other three legs were developing similarly to the amputated leg.

Solano was released on $5,000 bond this week.

She’s due back in court on Sept. 3.

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