'Badly emaciated' dog and cable-tied puppy rescued from filthy conditions by ISPCA

A dog described as "badly emaciated" and a puppy with a cable-tied tail have been rescued by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA). 

According to the ISPCA, the rescued animals - including a female Lurcher and Terrier-type puppy - were found on the property of a Laois woman during an inspection in May 2022. 

Inspector James McCormack described how he found the black puppy - who was saturated with no protection from the elements and no resting area - in a metal wire crate at the back of the house. 

The Lurcher, along with her six pups aged around six weeks, were reportedly found in a pen at the bottom of the yard in "filthy" conditions with no food or clean water evident in the pen. 

The inspector noted the Lurcher was "extremely thin with her ribs very prominent". 

According to the ISPCA, a veterinary surgeon examined the Lurcher and assigned her a body condition score of 1/5, which is the lowest score possible. 

She was reportedly of the view that the dog was emaciated. 

Another vet who examined the small black terrier confirmed that although the cable tie fixed on the puppy's tail would cause no permanent damage, the tail was very tender with swelling and required pain relieving medication. 

The ISPCA confirmed the Laois owner of the dogs was arrested and appeared in court. 

She was reportedly disqualified from having a dog for a period of 10 years and was ordered to pay investigation/veterinary fees and prosecution fees totalling almost €4,000.

Reflecting on the case, Inspector McCormack said, "These dogs suffered out of pure neglect. For a young dog to have a cable tie attached to its tail was a barbaric act. The female lurcher was so badly emaciated and to think that simply feeding her could have prevented her suffering.

"Animals are so loyal and deserve our care in return. We in the ISPCA will continue to be their voice and will seek justice in the courts in instances of cruelty." 

Anyone who knows of any animal welfare concerns should contact the National Animal Cruelty Helpline in confidence on 0818 515 515, or email helpline@ispca.ie.