WARREN — A second person has been charged in a severe animal cruelty case after a neglected dog was found in horrific conditions and later euthanized.

Stephanie J. Swegan, 53, of Warren, faces fifth-degree prohibitions concerning companion animals, according to court records filed Friday.

She is the second individual charged in the case after Thomas R. Leimkuehler, 43, was arrested and pleaded not guilty to fifth-degree prohibitions concerning companion animals.

Police discovered the dog — named “Baby” by rescuers — chained in a filthy basement, emaciated, dehydrated and suffering from a ruptured abdominal mass. Jason Cooke of the Healthy Hearts and Paws Project responded to the scene and called it the worst case of neglect he’d seen.

“She had a body condition score of 1, the lowest possible,” Cooke said.

The dog was rushed to a vet but had to be euthanized because of her severe condition.

Leimkuehler claimed the dog had recent veterinary care, but Cooke disputed this, citing evidence of prolonged neglect. Cooke also criticized Ohio’s animal cruelty laws as too weak, urging harsher penalties.

The shelter, already over capacity, continues to struggle with an influx of animals. Meanwhile, Cooke and his team remain deeply affected by the case.

“Baby didn’t die alone,” he said, “but she suffered immensely.”