Happy ending for abandoned lurcher

A dog left at death’s door has been given a new lease of life after being rescued by council dog wardens.

Back in June dog wardens responded to a call about a dog dying on a property in Methley.

Believing he was responding to a case of an injured animal, dog warden Gavin Jarrett found an emaciated lurcher in a distressed state.

Having all the appearance of an abandoned dog, Gavin had to use an elderly jack russell with mammary tumours – also abandoned and picked up earlier in the day – to calm and lure the lurcher to him.

The lurcher was taken in by Tia Rescue and nursed back to health.

The dog, Cecil, was rehomed with a loving family earlier this month.

Gavin Jarrett, dog warden, said:

“As well as promoting responsible dog ownership, a big part of a dog warden’s day is dealing with strays. I was appalled at the state Cecil was in. He clearly wasn’t a stray, he’d been deliberately dumped.

“If you are struggling with your dog don’t take the coward’s way out and abandon him or her, we can point you in the direction of the help you need to help your dog.”

Councillor Mark Dobson, executive member for environmental protection and community safety, said:

“Our wardens spend a lot of time dealing with strays which may have simply slipped their lead or their owners might not be aware that they can’t let their pet roam the streets. However, cases like this go way beyond simple mistakes or ignorance and there is no justification for treating a dog like this.”

Debra Rothery, who runs Tia Rescue, said:

“It makes our blood boil when dogs come to us in this condition. Despite how he was treated, Cecil was an absolute delight and we couldn’t be happier that he’s found a new home.

“Tia Rescue, now in its 19th year, has just moved to much larger premises in Doncaster.

“We have over 60 dogs onsite needing new homes and shire horses. On the 30th August we will be holding our annual open day, the first of many at our new premises.”

Tia Rescue is now based at Mill Race Farm, DN9 3DY. See www.tia-rescue.org for more information.