Dog fight horror

ANIMAL welfare officials say an English bull terrier dog found battered, bloodied and discarded in Finglas may have been involved in an organized dog fight.

The injured animal was discovered by a passer-by at the edge of a local park and brought to the nearby Irish Blue Cross mobile veterinary clinic that was fortunately in the area at the time.

Blue Cross surgeon, Thomas Taras, examined the dog and found multiple severe wounds to his neck, throat and front legs that were consistent with bites from another dog.

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has begun an investigation into the incident and will take over rehabilitation and rehoming responsibilities from the Blue Cross once the way is clear.

ISPCA’s Chief Inspector, Conor Dowling, expressed concern over the incident and called on the public to help find out exactly what happened.

“It would appear he was involved in some form of dog fight,

? he said.

“But, from an assessment of the dog and his injuries, we do not believe that he willingly engaged in a fight with the other dog involved.

“We would really like to identify anybody responsible for putting the terrier in the position whereby he suffered these atrocious injuries and hold them legally accountable for their actions.

?

According to the DSPCA dog-fighting is a blood-sport in which the animals are specifically bred and trained to fight each other. Fights average nearly an hour in length and often last more than two hours.

The Irish Blue Cross, known for its outstanding and compassionate veterinary work across Dublin, treated the injured dog in Finglas by cleaning his wounds and administering antibiotics.

It’s believed the terrier is about one-year-old and Blue Cross officials say he’s over the worst of his ordeal thanks to his natural survival instinct.

Staff have named the terrier Garth, after Garth Brooks, and say he shows every sign of being a well trained house pet and that his future is looking bright once more.

Garth’s veterinary care is on-going and he is expected to be transferred to the ISPCA’s National Animal Centre in Longford to complete his rehabilitation.

Chris Conneely, Manager at the Irish Blue Cross said the incident highlighted the need for owners to microchip dogs.

“We were delighted to play our part in giving quality of life back to this beautiful dog, who very quickly wagged his tail in appreciation for the care and comfort given to him by our fabulous personnel and volunteers,

? he said.

“Micro-chipping of pets is a critical part of responsible pet ownership. No one should delay and in this case there may even be a heartbroken owner somewhere missing wonderful Garth as unfortunately he was not micro-chipped!

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The ISPCA and The Irish Blue Cross are appealing to anybody who may have any information regarding Garth’s past to contact the ISPCA’s National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890-515515 or the Irish Blue Cross on 01-4163033.