A 27-year-old man has been accused of animal cruelty after police found his severely malnourished dog during a traffic stop.

Taunton man Devin Preeper is facing an animal cruelty charge following last month’s traffic stop in West Bridgewater.

Back on Nov. 24, a West Bridgewater police officer spotted a vehicle run a red light on North Main Street and pulled over the driver.

The cop then saw the significantly underweight dog in the vehicle. The puppy, a 9-month-old named “Sprout,” was taken to Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital where she received medical care.

Police in their investigation determined that the driver — Preeper — was Sprout’s owner and that the dog was severely malnourished.

“During the initial traffic stop, officers took steps to ensure the dog immediately received veterinary care,” police said in a statement. “Investigators then conducted a thorough follow-up investigation, including documenting the dog’s condition, gathering veterinary reports, and conducting follow-up interviews. During that investigation, West Bridgewater Police developed probable cause to charge Preeper.”

A criminal complaint charging Preeper with animal cruelty was issued on Tuesday in Brockton District Court.

The incident remains under investigation.

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Following treatment, Sprout was transferred to the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (APCSM), where her condition was slowly improving.

The APCSM was raising funds to support Sprout’s recovery. To learn more, visit www.apcsm.org.