A dog found starving and abandoned in Co Down, had been so severely neglected over a long period of time that he had to be put to sleep to end his suffering.
The team from the UPSCA tried to save the nameless dog when he was brought to them by a member of the public who came across him dumped near Newry.
The German Shepherd had endured long-term suffering, had numerous infected wounds all over his body and was severely emaciated, and after giving him immediate medical care and making him comfortable, the vets felt it would be kinder to let him slip away peacefully with their help.
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The case prompted CEO of the USPCA, Nora Smith, to urge the public to take action against animal abandonment and cruelty, which she says are on the rise.
She explained the issues were highlighted this week by news of the German Shepherd and another case in which three kittens found abandoned in a taped up in a box on a roadside.
In both cases, members of the public discovered the animals and took them to the USPCA Animal Hospital in Newry, Co Down.
It was discovered that the German Shepherd had clearly endured long-term suffering before he was abandoned without food, water or shelter. The charity's vet team immediately provided him with much-needed medical attention but unfortunately the scale of injury and suffering was so severe that the vet had no option but to euthanise him.
In a distressing discovery the same afternoon, workmen found three tiny kittens inside a cardboard box which had been taped up, and abandoned at the side of Armagh Road, Newry.
Nora said: “Animal abandonment and cruelty are grave issues that demand our immediate attention as a society. It is essential that we come together to raise awareness about the consequences of these terrible acts of cruelty.
"The kittens received thorough checks from our vet team and despite their ordeal, we are hopeful that these resilient kittens will be able to overcome their trauma and eventually find loving homes where they will receive the care and compassion they deserve.
"We are so grateful to the workmen for noticing the cardboard box and taking such quick action because it's unlikely they would have survived much longer.
"The USPCA urges the community to take action against animal abandonment and cruelty by reporting any suspected cases, supporting local animal shelters, and adopting or fostering animals in need, the public can make a difference in their lives.
For more information on USPCA initiatives, or to offer support, members of the public can visit the website at www.uspca.co.uk or call 028 3025 1000.
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