Nitro who has been rehabilitated from starvation is up for adoption

He’s a giant dog with a big heart — and an even bigger tongue — but his goofy grin hides the fact he is lucky to be alive, the survivor of one of the worst cases of animal cruelty the Animal Welfare League has seen. WATCH THE VIDEO.

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He’s a giant dog with a big heart — and an even bigger tongue — but his goofy grin hides the fact he is lucky to be alive, the survivor of one of the worst cases of animal cruelty the Animal Welfare League has seen.

He had been starved down to a skeleton and he had skin infections so bad, a gentle pat on the head would cause his skin to crack and ooze.

“If the lack of care had continued for much longer, he would have died from a combination of starvation and skin ­infection,” veterinarian Simone Maher said.

Neapolitan mastiff Nitro was starved down to a skeleton and weighed only 40 kilos. Picture: Supplied

It is one of the worst animal cruelty cases they have seen. Picture: Supplied

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Ms Maher, a senior veterinarian for the RSPCA for 11 years and now chief veterinarian for Animal Welfare League of NSW, said Nitro was among the worst cases of cruelty she’s ever treated.

In her professional opinion, Ms Maher estimated Nitro hadn’t eaten for six weeks before he was found wandering the streets of Liverpool.

Against all odds, Nitro has clawed back to health and is now looking for a new home with a loving, patient and strong parent.

Animal Welfare League NSW chief vet Simone Maher said he was lucky to survive. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

When AWL NSW inspector Jamie Wakefield met Nitro, he thought he was doomed: “He looked days, if not hours, away from death and I’ll never forget the sickly smell”.

A healthy Neapolitan mastiff can weigh 70kg but Nitro was just 40kg.

Nitro’s former owner was last month fined $2000 after being found guilty of two animal cruelty charges. The fine was less than the cost of rehabilitation, even though each charge carries a potential six months imprisonment.

Nitro is now looking for a loving family. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“Quite frankly, I would have much preferred to see a jail term to send a message than a fine,” AWL NSW chief executive Mark Slater said.

“Nitro is one of the friendliest dogs I’ve ever met in my life, even though he shouldn’t trust humans.”

To take Nitro home, call AWL NSW on [phone].