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Humane Society Launches New Fundraiser For Emaciated Pit Bull

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A 3-year-old pit bull mix rescued by humane officers, continues to recover. Now, a new fundraiser is underway.

The animal was severely emaciated.

About a month ago Effie was in bad shape, when she was seized from an apartment in Homewood.

"When she arrived at the shelter she was 14 pounds and I'm happy to say that she is 20.7," Mary Withrow, of the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, said.

Effie is eating a little more each and every day. Although she's had a tough time, she is now surrounded by love.

Employees and volunteers at the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society are taking good care of her.

Plus, people in the community are rallying with support. Now, some bracelets are the newest fundraiser for Effie.

They feature Effie's name and #113. That stands for House Bill 113, also known as "Angel's Law."

The legislation is designed to stiffen punishments and increase fines for those who commit crimes against innocent animals.

"We're supporting Effie in her efforts to get better and we're also raising awareness as to House Bill 113 and hoping that Harrisburg will move that bill," Withrow said.

effie-strong
(Photo Credit: KDKA)

You can purchase the bracelets for $5 online or at the Humane Society.

Meanwhile, Effie's case will play out in court.

Gerald Walker Jr., 19, faces animal abuse charges.

His mother, 36-year-old Tia Matthews, also faces charges, including witness intimidation and making terroristic threats.

Pa. State Rep. Dom Costa, who is re-introducing the animal cruelty bill, joined the "KDKA Morning News" with Larry Richert and John Shumway to talk about House Bill 113.

He says right now, if a person gets a fine for abusing an animal in different towns, it is hard to keep track of them because it is currently a summary offense.

"You can abuse animals in different areas if you keep relocating because there is no tracking system," Costa said.

Costa explains he took the existing laws and, "boosted all the summaries to misdemeanors and in turn, I took all the other crimes and took them up to a higher misdemeanor and a felony. So, technically what happens is the tracking system is built into our criminal justice system. Once you're arrested for a misdemeanor, you're fingerprinted, you're photographed and you're on record."

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