Dog fight victim recovers from injuries

A YOUNG English Bull Terrier left battered and bloodied in Finglas following a vicious organised dog fight has completed his recovery and moved on to a new home.

The injured terrier was found by a passer-by discarded in a local park last July with multiple severe wounds to his neck, throat and front legs that were consistent with bites from another dog.

Despite their strength and reputation as fighting dogs, English Bull Terriers are actually generally, good natured domesticated pets. Experts believe the timid terrier found in Finglas may have been tied to a stake or a tree, and did little to defend himself during the attack.

He was found during the Garth Brooks concert saga and named after the country music superstar by the animal welfare staff that looked after him when he was found.

Garth was initially brought to a mobile Irish Blue Cross clinic in Finglas by the person who found him lying injured at the edge of the park. After receiving initial treatment there, Garth was sent to the ISPCA’s National Animal Centre in Longford to continue his rehabilitation.

He had a number of open sores on his neck and legs and some smaller healed sores on his face. The smaller injuries responded quickly to treatment but a large injury to his neck needed daily bathing.

He also received a strong antibiotic and pain relief to allow him to be comfortable in his recovery.

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.

Staff say that throughout his recuperation, Garth was a model patient.

“The whole time he was undergoing daily bathing and treatments Garth displayed wonderful patience and gentleness,

? said ISPCA Animal Welfare Supervisor Denise McCausland.

“He was a fantastic patient and great ambassador for his breed. Garth was a delight to look after and will be missed greatly by all the staff who adored him

?.

Garth has now moved on to his new permanent home with an experienced owner of English Bull Terriers.

Despite a public appeal, no further information was received about Garth’s past but ISPCA Investigators are still eager for new leads.

“Garth was found in the Finglas area on the evening of Thursday, July 10

?, said ISPCA Chief Inspector, Conor Dowling.

“If anybody has any information on how he came to be there or where he was prior to that date, they can contact the ISPCA in confidence on 1890-515515.

?