Dog dumped at gates of animal shelter

From the archive, first published Thursday 23rd Aug 2007.

A Boxer dog in a horrific condition has been dumped at the gates of a Hampshire animal shelter.

Manageress of Fair Oak's St Francis Animal Shelter Ann Hillman discovered the abandoned animal tied to the sign at the entrance at about 5.30am on Tuesday morning.

Believed to be about nine years old, the female dog was in a dirty condition and needed worming treatment.

She was extremely cold and distressed and it is likely she had been tied up all night.

It is thought that the dog might have been abused as she cowers whenever anyone trys to stroke her.

Ann said: "In my 28 years as shelter manager of St Francis Animal Welfare over 150 animals have been abandoned at our gates. Twelve of those have been dogs and only one was left with any information."

She added: "If only people would at least leave some details of the animals with us. For example the animal's name, their age and medical history.

"This would make our job so much easier and enable us to make the animal's stay at the shelter less stressful."

For the full story see today's Southern Daily Echo.