Allegedly starved pit bull stolen from Riverside home

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- A female pit bull in Riverside that neighbors believe was being starved by its owner is missing, the dog's owner said.

Based on social media posts, Riverside County Animal Services believe the dog was stolen from her home.

Earlier this week, neighbors posted on social media asking for an investigation. When animal services officers visited the home, the owners said the dog had been taken.

Neighbor Sarra McFarland posted flyers, trying to alert others about alleged animal cruelty happening at the Riverside home. McFarland heard about the situation on social media.

"All of us animal lovers were like, 'What do you mean? The dog's not eating. We have to do something,'" McFarland said.

"The dog is on its deathbed. You can see its ribs. You can see his spine," McFarland added.

On Tuesday, Riverside County Animal Control officers were sent to investigate.

"The dog was hyper. It was very active, but it did look thin, so we posted the property with a notice of violation, mandating that the dog owner get it to a vet immediately," said John Welsh, a spokesman for Riverside County Animal Control.

Animal services officials said the situation did not appear life threatening, but when they came back to check on the status of the dog Thursday, the dog was gone.

Neighbors have their own opinions on what happened.

"I wouldn't put it past them that they did something with the dog themselves," McFarland said.

The owners of the dog declined to comment.

"The dog owner there probably is not going to win any awards for dog owner of the year. We've cited the owner for a number of violations," said Welsh, noting that none of them were for animal cruelty.

Riverside County Animal Services is asking whoever has the dog to turn it in to their Jurupa Valley shelter.