ISPCA inspectors have rescued three small dogs from squalid conditions in the back garden of a house in the Youghal area of Cork, writes Padraig Hoare.
Inspector Lisa O’Donovan discovered the dogs living in a filthy back garden, littered with debris and faeces, with no access to clean water or food. The only shelter available to the dogs was a cage with a dirty duvet inside. Inspector O’Donovan visited on a rainy day, and found the duvet was soaking wet.
A male Yorkshire terrier was found with an intensely matted coat and in a state of collapse. He was barely moving and was dangerously thin. Two Chihuahuas were also present, one of them severely emaciated and the other pregnant.
The three dogs were seized and given immediate veterinary attention. The Yorkshire terrier – now named Benjamin Button – was found to be just a step away from death. He was severely dehydrated and emaciated, and underneath his matted coat was just skin and bone.
The two Chihuahuas – now known as Bonnie and Clyde – received immediate care for dehydration and poor body weight.
“As a seasoned Inspector, I was absolutely horrified to find such small, frail little dogs living in such a horrendous squalor,” Inspector O’Donovan said. “It is terribly upsetting to find any animals living in such a state, but especially little tiny dogs. There is no question in my mind that the little Yorkie would have died within 48 hours. It was such a relief to be able to remove them as an authorised officer under the Animal Health and Welfare Act.”
Allegedly the previous occupants vacated the property a few weeks previous. One dog was microchipped however the no information was registered with the microchipping database. An on-going investigation is continuing.
Bonnie and Clyde are now in the care of the ISPCA Equine Rescue Centre in Mallow, and will be available for adoption once they are healthy enough. Benjamin Button will be in foster care with Inspector O’Donovan until his health improves and he has gained sufficient weight, which could be several months.
ISPCA Inspectors investigate complaints of cruelty, neglect and abuse in all kinds of situations mostly in relation to inadequate food, substandard living conditions and lack of necessary veterinary treatment.
To report cruelty to an animal, please complete the ISPCA online confidential complaint form, email [email protected] or call 1890 515 515 (Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm). Your details will remain confidential and you will only be contacted if further information is required to enable ISPCA Inspectors to investigate your concerns in a timely fashion.
This article first appeared in the Evening Echo.
