A Newry-based animal welfare charity has shed light on a number of heart-breaking animal cruelty and neglect cases that have occurred in recent weeks.
Among the cases highlighted by the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) was that of a severely neglected dog found climbing out of a river.
The Yorkie-Shih Tzu cross had his matted fur removed by the USPCA, who carried out a full health check.
Despite being underweight and clearly suffering for some time with all the matted fur, the little dog has been receiving plenty of TLC from the team and is making a good recovery.
Two weeks previously, the charity dealt with two separate incidents of dogs with badly broken legs, abandoned, frightened and in severe pain.
One of the dogs, named Asha, underwent life-saving surgery which resulted in a leg amputation.
With all these cases, members of the public discovered the animals and brought them to the USPCA Animal Hospital in Newry.
Asha
Nora Smith, CEO of the USPCA, said: “All three of these dogs are lucky to be alive, and we are so grateful to the members of the public who found them and brought them to us for the essential treatment they required.
“Despite their ordeal, we are hopeful that these resilient dogs will be able to overcome their trauma, and eventually find loving homes where they will receive the care and compassion. They are three warriors who deserve to spend the rest of their lives surrounded by love and affection.
“Animal abandonment and cruelty are grave issues that demand our immediate attention as a society. It is essential that we come together to raise awareness about the consequences of these terrible acts of abandonment.”
For more information on USPCA initiatives, or to offer support, members of the public can visit the website or call 028 3025 1000.
