A Rome couple was charged with animal cruelty after police found their dog in deplorable conditions and emaciated from lack of sustenance.

Derrick James Pope, 38, and Kelly Denise Abney, 42, both of Rome, were arrested at their home on W Big Indian Trail.

Reports said that they failed to provide adequate food to their dog “Rusty”.  Police state that the animal’s ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones were evident from a distance.  The animal also had no body fat and suffered a large amount of muscle mass loss.

Both are charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.