Suspected puppy farm dog found abandoned in ditch
Warning * distressing images
Last updated 31st Jan 2022
A suspected puppy farm dog was found by a member of the public, deserted in a ditch in the Longfield Road area of Forkhill in south Armagh.
Northern Ireland animal welfare charity, the USPCA, is renewing its call for more effective enforcement and regulation against illegal breeders and is appealing for information following a distressing case brought through its doors last week.
The dog, which had given birth to multiple litters, was in terrible condition, visibly frightened, unwell and in considerable pain. She was so severely neglected that it was difficult for the USPCA veterinary team to establish its specific breed, but it was thought to be a spaniel type dog.
After veterinary assessment, the dog was diagnosed with severe mange and a serious bacterial skin infection which made her breed nearly undistinguishable. She also suffered from a huge abdominal tumour and was in a great deal of pain, so the USPCA veterinary team was left with no option other than to relieve her of her suffering and put her to sleep.
“This was a truly horrible and distressing case of animal cruelty and neglect,” comments USPCA Chief Executive, Brendan Mullan.
“We condemn the actions of those responsible for treating an animal this way. Her condition and the manner in which she was abandoned leads us to believe that she was a former puppy farm dog. Following a spate of abandoned puppies and terrible cases of animal cruelty in recent months, this case is yet another example of why Northern Ireland urgently needs better enforcement and regulation to clamp down on these illegal breeders.
“Keeping a dog in such poor conditions is one thing but to then abandon her at a roadside when she was obviously so unwell is unforgiveable. We are asking members of the public with any information around this incident to please come forward and contact the USPCA on 028 3025 1000.”
Brendan added, “The more we see demand for young pups, the more this appalling industry grows. We are pleading with the public to rehome a dog from their local animal shelter and avoid illegal breeders at all costs. This dog was so visibly ill but was being exploited over and over by her owners for profit – when she was no longer of use, she was left to die by herself.
“This case highlights the disturbing reality of the puppy farming industry, and we just don’t know where the horrific and tragic outcomes will ever end without action from our government. We urge the Bills Office to ensure the Breeding and Sale of Puppies Bill reaches the floor of the Assembly in this mandate. There must be consequences for the perpetrators of this despicable cruelty.”
MLA Robin Newton said, “This is yet another dreadful example of dogs and pups being used and abused only for huge profits. The cruelty of the illegal puppy farmers is well known, and the introduction of my Private Members' Bill will help address not only the cruelty of the puppy famers, but those who deal in the sale and trafficking of the pups.”
If you have any information around this incident please contact the USPCA on 028 3025 1000.
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