Another dog has died after being found abandoned in a poor condition in a south Wales village where three dead dogs were dumped a day earlier. A local dog walker found a young terrier cross, who was later named Sprout, on the morning of Friday, December 31, in the Pentrebach area of Merthyr Tydfil.
Just 24 hours earlier three dead dogs were found in red plastic bags in a car park on Brown Street, Pentrebach. The upsetting discovery of the dogs, one black spaniel-type, a white and ginger terrier-type, and a small white terrier who had black markings to her face, is being investigated by the RSPCA due to the suspicious circumstances. You can read more about that here.
Sprout, who was thought to be nine months old, was found tied to a tree with wire and a leather lead and it was clear to those who found him that he was very unwell. After being taken to a local pet shop, Sprout was taken in by local charity Friends of Animals Wales and a vet discovered he had parvovirus, a highly contagious disease which can often be fatal.
Tragically, Sprout’s condition deteriorated in the night and he died on New Year’s Eve. Eileen Jones, who founded Friends of Animals Wales, said: “It’s just so awful and wrong. Sprout was just nine months old and somebody has abandoned him in a poor state and left him to die.”
She added the charity they are working with the RSPCA in appealing for information as it is believed the incidents may be linked and the dogs possibly came from the same place. For the latest Merthyr Tydfil news sign up to our newsletter here.
Sprout was found tied to a tree in a very poor condition
(Image: Friends of Animals Wales)
Sprout’s tragic case comes after a difficult few days for the charity, who also took in a dog named Tinsel who had been left with an infected and rotted leg that has now been removed. Thankfully she is recovering from her operation and is at a foster home, but will have to learn to walk on three legs.
Eileen said: “It’s just been one of those years where there has been one case after another. It’s been truly horrific but we can only hope for better things.
“While there are absolutely awful people in the world, our volunteers and supporters are heroes. Without the support, we wouldn’t be able to help these poor animals.”
Local vets are being contacted to alert them about the positive parvovirus case in the area. Eileen added that anyone who may have had a new puppy over Christmas needs to ensure that their dog is fully vaccinated before they are taken outside to avoid them picking up the virus.
Anyone with any first-hand information about what happened to Sprout can get in contact with Friends of Animals Wales or the RSPCA. The RSCPA can be contacted on the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and you can quote 01416870 with any information about the three dead dogs who were dumped a day earlier.
For advice about how to help an animal in need or to report cruelty or neglect visit www.rspca.org.uk/reportcruelty.
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