WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. —

An emaciated puppy was rescued following a traffic stop in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts last week.

A 27-year-old Taunton man was charged with one count of animal cruelty. Because the owner was issued a summons and not a criminal complaint, their identity is not being released at this time.

On Nov. 24, West Bridgewater Police Officer Alexandra Maloney saw a vehicle run a red light at North Main Street around 11:49 a.m.

She stopped the car and while speaking with the driver, saw what appeared to be "a significantly underweight dog" in the vehicle, according to West Bridgewater police.

The dog was a 9-month-old puppy named Sprout.

Due to her malnourished condition, the pup was transported to Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital.

Investigators determined

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