Devon 100 dogs rescued malnutrition and infestation. One hundred dogs were rescued from ‘terrible conditions’ in Devon; they were infested with fleas and suffered severe malnutrition.

The RSPCA saved 100 dogs from certain deaths. The dogs were an intentional mixing of breeds, sometimes called “hybrid” dogs, including Shih-Tzus, who were infested with fleas and worms, suffered from severe malnutrition and open sores, and their fur was stained with urine and ruffled with faeces.

Dogs had been in this condition for more than a week

Devon, 100 dogs saved from certain death.
Six Shih-Tzu dogs are among 96 small breeds rescued from a home in Torquay. Credit: Woodside Animal Welfare Trust

The dogs are said to have been abandoned by their owner last week at the Torquay property and have now been moved to be cared for at rescue centres in Devon and Cornwall.

Rescuers have launched funding appeals to help cover the costs. Staff at one centre are struggling to save a puppy’s life and claim that the mothers now in their care have been weakened by having to nurse “litter after litter“.

The RSPCA said its rescue teams ‘worked hard to help more than 90 dogs’. A spokesperson added: “Thanks to the dedication and kindness of several animal rescue centres, the dogs are now receiving care and attention from dedicated staff and volunteers and will be rehomed once they are ready.

The animal welfare charity has seen an increase in rescued animals being taken into care, with many of their centres already complete and others close to capacity. But, at the same time, rehoming is slowing down, and there are signs that more and more people are trying to give up their pets.

Devon, 100 dogs rescued. Illegal sale of puppies is suspected.

There have been allegations that the dogs were being bred for sale in the home, but the RSPCA has not confirmed this. Six Shih-Tzus, aged between six months and about eight years, are being cared for by the Woodside Animal Welfare Trust at its shelter near Plympton in Devon.

Assistant manager Lisa Darcy said: “Several have eye problems, hopefully, it’s something we can do, but there is a serious possibility that eye removal could happen“.

Those with shaggy coats have been trimmed to move more quickly, and a vet is treating their health problems at an on-site clinic. Staff at the centre also assess the animals’ needs, including their lack of socialisation.

Ms Darcy said: “No matter how long you have worked in the rescue, you are always shocked when you see an animal that has not been cared for well enough. First is the initial shock; then, we focus on how to help them. It is frustrating and heartbreaking“.

Devon, 100 dogs rescued. Veterinary care will cost the charity more than £5,000

Devon, 100 dogs saved from certain death.
One of the Hybrid dogs rescued from a house in Torquay. Credit: Woodside Animal Welfare Trust

The Gables Cats and Dogs Home in Plymouth has taken in 23 dogs and estimates that veterinary care will cost the charity more than £5,000. He said: “The week-old to 12-year-old ‘hybrid’ breed mix had been living in terrible conditions. They suffered from overgrown claws, flea and worm infestations, and severe malnutrition.”

A spokesperson said: “Upon arrival with us, most of the dogs were extremely shaggy and covered in their faeces, as well as suffering from ammonia burns on their skin from living in their urine“.

The tight mats made it difficult for the dogs to move around and go to the toilet, causing incredibly painful skin spots. In addition, the enormous flea load led some dogs to scratch themselves constantly, leaving them with open wounds from self-inflicted wounds.

“The puppies’ mothers have struggled to keep up with the daily demands of feeding litter after litter under these conditions. It is feared that it may already be too late for the weakest of the puppies, but the rescuers are doing everything they can to keep them alive.

They have also begun supplementing all the puppies’ diets with specialised puppy milk to give them the best chance of survival. In contrast, their emaciated mothers start to build up their strength”. Deputy director Ruth Rickard described the situation as “truly heartbreaking“.

The RSPCA branch in Cornwall took eleven rescued dogs, terrified of people. A spokesperson said: “Our hearts are breaking for these dogs, but we are determined to give them the future they deserve“.

Frenchie Breed partners of Clinisoothe.
A revolutionary new step in your skin health routine.

In the last 18 months, there has been an increase in the abandonment of pets by many families.

Emily Bowen described some of the team’s challenges from the RSPCA’s Cornwall branch. She said, “Over the last 18 months, we have seen a huge influx of animals from multi-animal households, impacting our ability to help more animals. This influx includes those animals on the waiting list, which includes people who cannot afford their pets and want to give them up.

He said the cost of living has already had an impact and appealed to animal lovers to help support charities that work tirelessly to keep animals in need.

He added: “We would also like to appeal for foster families with people who have no other pets or children, particularly to help take care of the influx of pregnant or birthing dogs that we now receive regularly, as well as to raise kittens and animals with behavioural or medical needs.

Thank you for reading the article to the end. Your reading contribution was significant to us.

Affiliate Disclosure: The Frenchie Breed website may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links at no cost to you.

Follow Frenchie Breed on Google News

Post a Comment