People urged to think before buying after 'abandoned dog found with horrific injuries' 

Abandoned 2-year-old lurcher Carmel was found emaciated, dehydrated, and with horrific paw injuries. She is now in the care of Dogs Trust Ireland as the charity pleads with the public not to rush into dog ownership. Picture: Fran Veale 

Dogs Trust Ireland is pleading with the public to consider the long-term commitment involved in owning a dog, particularly those thinking of purchasing a pet for Christmas.

The warning follows the discovery of an "abandoned dog found with horrific injuries". A severely neglected female Lurcher, named Carmel, was found starved and dehydrated with multiple injuries.