Dog ‘so neglected’ rescuers could not determine breed
Found cowering behind a refuse bin, the dog was barely alive.
The badly abused male dog, which had little or no fur on its body, had puncture wounds all over its skin.
Rescuers believed the near-perished dog was attacked by another animal as it lay dying.
It was so neglected, said animal welfare officer, the breed of the dog was difficult to ascertain.
Andrew Quinn, welfare officer with Waterford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty, said the starved, mangy and abused animal was one of the worst cases of neglect he ever witnessed.
“We found this poor animal cowering behind a wheelie bin. The vet couldn’t even find a pulse when we brought it in, though the animal was alive. It was starved and had been attacked.
“The abuse did not happen over a few days. It was left to suffer. If the person who owned this animal had just given us a call, we would have come and rescued the pet. There was absolutely no need for an animal to be left to suffer,” he said last night.
The disturbing find was made by the voluntary officer on Friday evening at Templers’ Hall, a new estate in the city.
It is quite possible that the dog might have wandered into the estate, just anxious to find somewhere quiet to lay down and die.
“The laws in this country are so weak. We had another horrific case a few weeks ago which involved a dog being ground to death.
"He was put through a grinder and killed. Even if we did find someone who owned this dog, we would have to find someone who would stand up in court and say exactly what happened before someone could be prosecuted.”
He said that anyone who has an animal, or knew of a pet is being neglected or in need of emergency rescue, should contact the ISPCA or their local branch.
The Waterford branch can be contacted at (051) 841432 while the national office can be contacted on the National Cruelty helpline, 1890 515 515.
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