Sad Jake left outside PDSA (From Echo)

Sad Jake left outside PDSA

8:00am Friday 10th February 2012 in Local News

THIS is the sad face of the latest dog to be found dumped on the streets by its cruel owners.

German Shepherd Jake was found abandoned outside the PDSA vets in High Road, Vange.

He was emaciated, had lost vast amounts of hair around his tail, possibly due to a flea allergy, and was covered in thick engine oil.

The dog, which is thought to be aged between eight and nine, also had swollen feet because of arthritis and infected ears which are thought to have gone untreated for some time.

The unloved dog was taken in by staff at the PDSA who had to wash him twice to get the engine oil off of his coat.

He is now recovering at Acres Way kennel, in Great Burches Road, Thundersley.

Sarah Moran, Basildon Council’s animal control officer, said: ““We are seeing more and more cases like Jake’s where the dogs are dumped, probably because the owner cannot afford the vet bills.

“I cannot stress how important it is to take out pet insurance, so that if animals do suffer from these types of conditions, they can receive the treatment they need.

Jake is not the only dog to have been dumped recently.

Two Staffordshire Bull Terriers, a male and a female aged about three, were found dumped in Westley Heights, Langdon Hills.

Both of their coats were in a bad condition.

As part of the Care for your Canine campaign – a joint initiative between the Echo and Basildon Council, people are being urged to think twice before purchasing a dog.

They need to be sure if they can adequately care for it and afford the cost of treatment.

The campaign also urges people to ensure if they do own pets they are microchipped, neuteured and they are regularly giving them flea and worming treatments to ensure their ongoing good health.

Anyone who can offer a home to any of the dogs can contact Acres Way on 01268 770402.