GARDAÍ ARE INVESTIGATING a case of animal cruelty in County Clare where a German Shepherd dog was discovered close to death.
After an examination from a vet it was decided that it was best the dog to be put down as his condition were so severe.
The ISPCA received an anonymous call and last Monday the local gardaí and the dog warden for Clare, Frank Coote, attended a house to investigate.
Coote said that when they got to the yard where the dog was found, the smell was so bad, he thought the dog was dead.
Covered in dirt
“When I lifted the dog from the ground I’m sorry to say parts of the dog stayed on the ground. The dog was covered in his own dirt, he had not moved from that spot in the corner for 6-8 weeks,” he said.
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Horrendous treatment
Speaking to TheJournal.ie, Coote said:
In my 23 years as Clare dog warden, I have never seen anything as horrendous.
He said that even removing the dog from the scene was excruciating for the animal as was the assessment.
Five kilogrammes of excrement was “stuck on” to the dog alone, explained Coote,adding that his body was a skeleton.
“I believe the dog had been eaten alive by rats and maggots, there was no way this dog could be saved and he had to be put to sleep on vets advice,” said Coote.
“What shocked me was how kind the dog was. Even when we tried to remove him and he was in pain, he just showed kindness,” he said. “It is just unbelievable that anyone can treat an animal in this way,” he said.
Never happen again
He said that highlighting a story like this may stop something similar happening again and might encourage people to come forward if they have concerns about an animal in someone’s care.
“We are depending on people to make reports. This case was from someone picking up the phone and calling. This person clearly had concerns for this poor dog. It is important that if you have any doubts or fears about the treatment of an animal to call the ISPCA,” said Coote.
While he said that the call did not save the dog in the end, it is his believe that the dog was strong and would have stayed alive for another ten days or so in a miserable state.
Coote said that the gardaí carried out interviews at the home, adding:
Be assured that the person responsible for this crime will be prosecuted.
If you are concerned about the treatment of an animal, you can call the ISPCA hotline on 1890 515 515.
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