Don't let your dog suffer

One long suffering boxer dog even had to have its eye removed after a ulcer wasn't treated and left to fester.

Another springer spaniel found on Lisconnon Road last Tuesday was also discovered severely underweight with a bad head injury.

Expressing her anger and disgust, Environmental Warden Karen Mitchell explained: "Over the past few weeks we have received five stray dogs all with signs of being badly neglected. They have been underweight, had bad injuries or had other things wrong with them which haven't been treated. And as if neglecting them wasn't enough, they're been made homeless.

"Normally in Ballymoney we would get the odd few case of neglect however over the past few weeks we have had more than normal which is extremely worrying.

"The week before last we had a boxer arrive with an ulcerated eye which could easily have been treated by a vet but because it didn't the eye had to be removed. And last Tuesday, a lovely springer spaniel was brought in very underweight and with a bad head injury. Luckily we got him to the vet in time and his head is now healing well.

"Such cases really, really anger me and I want to appeal to dog owners to treat their animals much better. Please seek vet treatment when they need it - and don't let them suffer."

Urging people to 'think long and hard' about getting a dog, Karen continued: "Always consider if you have the time, space and money to keep a dog. They are not cheap animals to feed and look after but treated well they are great companions."

On a happier note, Karen added: "Even though there are some very bad dog owners out there, you do get the odd good person.

"Thankfully the one eyed boxer found someone and now has a loving home. The person who came along even paid for the dogs operation and treatment - the money they spent could have paid for a pedigree pup. However they agreed to take on and pay for someone elses responsibility.

"Unfortunately the springer spaniel is still here and needs a good home. He's around six-years-old, liver and white colour and really friendly and full of energy."

Karen would like to express her sincere thanks to the Ballymoney and Moyle Times and its readers for helping to rehome so many stray and homeless dogs.

If you interested in rehoming a dog from the Council Pound please make arrangements by calling 028 276 60200 and asking for the Dog Warden.