-- A dog is now in a veterinarian's care, after he was discovered on the brink of death.

Animal Rescue League officials said the mixed-breed animal was found on Kiely Road in Vinton Friday night, after a neighbor had apparently called authorities to report that it might be dead.

According to the dog's veterinarian, he was covered in scabs and sores and weighs 43 pounds, which is only about half the normal weight for a similar dog.

Loretta Hyde with the Animal Rescue League said she was called out to a mobile home by El Paso sheriff's deputies to help take the dog into custody. Hyde said, "We know how to handle the animals in case there is a situation where the animal is dangerous or if it may bite. That's why they call us."

Veterinarian Nancy Harvey described the dog's condition to KFOX. "Almost dead. He was extremely dehydrated. His skin still stands up after receiving three or four bags of fluid," said Harvey.

KFOX spoke with sheriff's officials and are working on finding out the specifics on this case from a criminal standpoint.