Pierce County woman charged in fatally starving her Great Dane

Zeus, a 2-year-old Great Dane, died weighing less than half what he should.

A necropsy determined the 55-pound dog died of chronic starvation.

Pierce County prosecutors have charged Zeus’ owner, 29-year-old Melissa Ramos, with first-degree animal cruelty. An arraignment date has not been set.

A veterinarian reported his concerns about the Great Dane to animal control officers in January after seeing how underweight Zeus was.

“He had the defendant sign a form declining treatment against medical advice,” according to charging papers.

An animal control officer who visited Zeus in his cage described his condition as “terrible,” and noted he was lethargic and depressed.

Ramos allegedly agreed to take Zeus for further treatment and seemed more concerned about a leg injury than the dog’s weight, prosecutors said.

Vet records show Zeus weighed 76 pounds in September, when he was last seen by his regular vet. Ramos took him to a pet clinic in January because the dog’s leg was swelling.

Although Ramos agreed to seek further treatment for Zeus, prosecutors say she never did.

She brought Zeus to a clinic Jan. 28 after he died and requested a $125 cremation.

Ramos could not be reached for comment Friday. It’s unclear whether she has retained an attorney.

This story was originally published May 29, 2015 at 2:11 PM with the headline "Pierce County woman charged in fatally starving her Great Dane."