Animal dumped by road after “appalling” cruelty

A DOG was subjected to weeks of “appalling” cruelty before being left to die on Ottery’s outskirts, say police intent on catching the culprit.

Officers investigating cruelty offences want residents’ help in tracking down the person responsible for dumping this small Jack Russell type pet by the side of the old A30 last Wednesday morning.

A passing motorist spotted the distressed animal near Long Range at 8am. Travellers had vacated the site shortly before the discovery.

PC Dave Smith arrived at the scene to find the dog riddled with skin conditions and barely able to stand due to a severely injured leg.

“I was absolutely appalled that anybody could let an animal get into such a condition,” he told the Herald. “There is no excuse for this whatsoever.

“He was in a dreadful condition, very nervous, understandably, and in discomfort due to the extreme skin conditions. He was unable to walk without limping and covered in mange and other parasites. These are not overnight injuries.”

The dog was rushed to a vet where he was still receiving treatment this week. The unnamed animal’s horror story could have a happy ending, however, thanks to a kind-hearted resident.

“Despite his horrendous last few weeks, a member of the public is paying for the treatment and will take him on as a re-home,” said PC Smith.

“While travellers had just vacated the stretch it is not beyond the grounds of possibility it was not these people and someone saw an opportunity to dump this animal.

“The site was vacated some time that day, if any passing motorists saw anything in relation to this dog being dumped that may interest us, we want to hear from them.”

Anyone with information can contact police and PC 4120 Dave Smith on 08452 777444; log number: 167/18/08.