Starved puppy 'Reno' rescued from Belle River home

A Belle River man faces animal cruelty charges after a seven-month-old emaciated puppy was rescued by the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society. 

Animal investigators went to the man's home to check on the mixed-breed puppy after they were told the dog had nipped the man's child. 

The man said he was trying to find another home for the animal. 

When the puppy, now named Reno, was brought to the humane society, he weighed seven kilograms. 

Officials say within five days he gained back more than two kilograms. 

"Reno is still recovering from his ordeal, but we expect him to make a full recovery," said Melanie Coulter, the executive director of the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society, in a release. "Once he has recovered he will be made available for adoption."

Investigators found no reason for the puppy's extreme condition other than lack of food. 

The owner was charged with once count of permitting distress to an animal and one count of failing to prescribe standards of care for an animal. 

He is scheduled to appear in court on March 23.