Authorities Rescue Boy, 8, from Neglect and Find Him Unable to Speak

An 8-year-old boy is recovering after authorities rescued him from an unsafe living environment, in which he was surrounded by a handful of dogs and found unable to speak.

An English version of Khaosod, a Thai newspaper, reported officials rescued the child, publicly identified only as “A,” from Thailand’s Uttaradit province on Monday, June 30.

He had been living in a ramshackle wooden home with his 46-year-old mother and 23-year-old brother, who both struggled with drug addiction, along with six dogs, according to the outlet.

Related Stories

Florida Woman Faces Child Abuse Allegations After Her Boyfriend’s Son Left a Note with This Chilling 3-Word Plea

Vice President of ‘Bikers Against Child Abuse’ Accused of Sex Crimes Against Children

“He didn’t speak, he just barked,” said Pawina Hongsakul, president of the Pawina Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, a group that helped with the rescue, per The Thaiger. “It was pitiful to see.”

Authorities launched the rescue operation in response to a report from a local school principal, according to Khaosod. He is now being cared for at the Uttaradit Children’s Home, and his relatives are facing charges related to drug use.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

There are conflicting reports about his level of education, but he did not appear to be regularly attending school at the time officials saved him.

“The boy will be given a chance at a good life,” said Hongsakul, per The Thaiger. “We’ll follow up with him to make sure he gets everything he needs.”

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.