Shocking!
Friday, 13 January 2012
THIS is the shocking photo of a badly neglected and abandoned dog found in Coleraine this week.
The Rott-weiler dog was handed into a local veterinary clinic by a man who claimed he had found it on the Newbridge Road. It is extremely malnourished with its rib cage, hip bones and scull protruding - a most shocking sight. The dog may have to be put to sleep if it's health does not improve.
Coleraine Borough Council are now investigating the case and in particular want to speak to the man who found the dog and handed it into a vets practice. They are also appealing to owners of unwanted dogs to hand them into council rather than simply neglecting and abandoning them altogether. Kieran Doher-ty, Corporate Director of Environmental Services at Coleraine Borough Council, said there have been a number of dogs abandoned in the area since Christmas, causing unnecessary stress to the animals, with this most recent one a "most shocking sight".
“This also contravenes the current legislation and anyone caught abandoning a dog could be fined," said Mr Doherty. Court action could also be taken if neglect is found to have occurred. Council would like to speak to this man, because no identification or microchip could be found on the dog. The dog is in very poor health. It is malnourished with its rib cage, hip bones and scull protruding, a most shocking sight.
“Coleraine Borough Council appeals to all dog owners who may be experiencing difficult circumstances, not to abandon their dogs or to allow the dogs to fend for themselves. Council provides a service to take in and re-home unwanted dogs where a dog is in good health.
“In this particular case, it may be necessary to have this particular dog put to sleep if its health does not improve because currently it is not eating or drinking. I also appeal to anyone who is concerned about a dog's welfare to report the matter to Council."
Margaret Grahams Kennels in Articlave operates a re-homing service on behalf of Coleraine Borough Council. There are also a number of animal welfare charities throughout Northern Ireland which will take in unwanted dogs and have them re-homed. For information, contact Council on 028 7034 7034 or visit the website www.colerainebc.gov.uk
*A Coleraine dog charity has called on the general public to help it find new homes for eight Collie puppies left abandoned outside its offices on Friday.
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