TAMARAC, Fla. -- A local animal rescue group is searching for the owner of a neglected dog that developed a potentially deadly case of mange.

Broward County Animal Care and Regulation officers found the 8-month-old pit-bull mix last week on Sunrise Boulevard near Interstate 95.

The skin infection is so severe that all of its hair is gone and its skin is covered in scabs and sores.

Dr. Darko Mladenovich at the Darko Animal Hospital said it's the worst case of red mange he's ever seen.

The dog does not appear to be a stray because it's very friendly and well-fed. Mladenovich said it's likely the owner just turned the dog loose after neglecting to treat the skin condition for several months.

Cheryl Babcock with the Babcock Animal Rescue group said this kind of neglect rises to the level of abuse.

"There's no reason that a dog has to get in this condition," Babcock said. "Even in these tough economic times, there are groups out there that will take the dog and care for it. To do nothing is just plain abuse and neglect."

The dog is being treated with antibiotics and pain medication and will require months of treatment to kill the mange parasite that has taken over its body.

Anyone interested in adopting the dog or helping to pay for medical treatment can call the Babcock Animal Rescue at 954-261-9522.