Call for action as Labrador is found in an ‘atrocious state’

Vets treating the dog have described it as the worst case of cruelty in their 24 year career and a Lurgan councillor is calling for the authorities to take a robust approach to animal cruelty.

The animal (pictured), that has been named Oscar, was discovered severely traumatised, anaemic and weak, suffering from severe bruising, with thousands of maggots coming from his ears and other parts of his body, and suffering from up to 50 puncture wounds.

Councillor Carla Lockhart said, “Animal cruelty is all too prevalent in our society. It is totally unacceptable and it is time for the authorities, and local people to work together to stamp it out. The pictures of Oscar are horrific, this is barbaric and I along with the DUP group intend to take a robust approach with our Animal Welfare officers on council.

“We also need our PSNI, courts and animal welfare charities to work together to bring about convictions. For all too long the people involving themselves in this type of activity are given a slap on the wrist by the courts. We need appropriate sentencing. I along with local Banbridge councillors will be speaking and meeting with the animal welfare officers in council to try and get a handle on this escalating problem.”

The Doghouse Sanctuary based in Banbridge were contacted around 11am on Sunday and took the dog to the local vets.

Gillian McFadden, owner of the animal charity, described Oscar’s condition as ‘sickening’ and said the dog’s condition remained critical.

“The dog was anaemic from severe blood loss when we got him,” said Gillian. “He was very weak and unsteady on his feet. We were told by the vets that his injuries were like that of an animal involved in a dog baiting attack.

“When we took him to the vets we were told this was the worst case they had ever seen. We have never seen anything as sickening as this before.

“The dog was starved and the vets believe the reason for this was to make him more aggressive.”

Vets put the dog on pain medication and it was placed on a warm drip, and for up to six hours the vets described its condition as ‘touch and go.’

“He is still very critical,” said Gillian. “He is very lucky to be still alive at this stage.

“His ears had to be flushed out five times because of maggots. There were literally thousands of them coming from his ears and the vet believes he was being eaten from the inside and out by maggots.

“Four hours were also spent shaving and cleaning him and removing maggots.

“We were convinced he would just slip away, but he is still fighting to stay alive. The problem is he could go downhill very quickly at any time. If he recovers, he will stay with us. I do not think he could be rehomed. It might be too traumatic for him.”

Donate at www.justgiving.com/Save-Oscar or post donations to the sanctuary or Iveagh Veterinary practice.