A TERRIFIED dog sits chained to lamp post as he becomes another statistic in a winter dog dumping epidemic.
The sudden drop in cold weather and the countdown to Christmas has witnessed a spike in unwanted pets being thrown on to the streets. This unlucky Labrador-cross was found chained to a lamp post on a cold and rainy night in Birmingham. Kind-hearted residents gave the dejected dog a bowl of water but were worried about approaching him because he was so frightened.
Summer is traditionally time when cats and dogs are discarded in droves, with owners throwing their animals out because of holiday commitments. Last year, the RSPCA were rescuing up to 850 pets a month, with more than 10,000 calls – one every 12 minutes – from worried members of the public about abandonments .
Now, in the space of the past few cold, winter days, the RSPCA has witnessed a worrying spike in the number of pets callously thrown on the streets, with the blame likely to be on owners worried about running up vets’ bills in the countdown to the Christmas period.
Animal Collection Officer Vic Hurr described how he found the terrified dog after being called out to Esher Road, Birmingham, by worried residents.
“This poor dog was tied with a choke chain and was absolutely terrified,” explained ACO Hurr. "He was really nervous but I was able to safely coax him into a kennel using a grasping pole.
“It is despicable that someone could just dump their pet and leave it on a freezing night in such a vulnerable state.”
ACO Hurr took the dog to the RSPCA’s Newbrook Animal Hospital, where he is now recovering, after undergoing veterinary checks.
“Once he arrived into our care he was a different character, he was so sweet and such a gent,” added the RSPCA official. “He was obviously just terrified when he was left tied to a lamp post. Other than being scared and hungry he seemed in reasonable health and is doing well after eating a few good meals.
“I am so glad the local residents rallied around to help and am now appealing for information to find out who callously abandoned him. I am hoping someone will recognise him.”
Anyone with information about who dumped the dog should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018 .