Emaciated rescue puppy ready to lead a new life

An emaciated lurcher puppy rescued from "terrible neglect" is now well enough to find his forever home after being cared for by an animal centre at threat of closure.

The nine-month-old was believed to have spent its entire life living in squalid conditions on an allotment, the RSPCA said.

The brindle and white lurcher - named Charlie - was found with seven other dogs on the allotment in County Durham in December surrounded by faeces, piles of rubbish, hazardous items and boxes of raw, rotting chicken.

Having gained weight while being cared for at the RSPCA Lancashire East centre near Accrington, which will stay open until June thanks to public donations, Charlie is now ready for a new home.

RSPCA officers were called to the allotment site in Peterlee in December due to welfare concerns.

The charity said it was "desperately sad" to see the appalling living conditions the animals were living in.

"The dogs were being housed in dirty kennels and pens, some of which had faeces that were so old they'd turned white," the RSPCA's Catherine Maddison said.

The RSPCA said only three of the dogs found were microchipped but the contact details were out of date.

The charity added the site was not council-owned, and despite extensive enquiries no one has so far come forward with information about to whom the animals belonged.

Charlie was in one of the worst conditions out of the dogs rescued, emaciated and covered in pressure sores.

After receiving urgent veterinary treatment the dogs were transferred to various animal centres.

The dog was initially placed on a strict re-feeding programme which involved a high quality diet and frequent small meals.

Animal care assistant, Amy Robinson, said she does not think Charlie has ever experienced home life.

He was fascinated by the TV and her fridge after figuring out food was kept in there, she said.

"Charlie's a really affectionate dog and will rest his head on your chest if you get down to his level and try and curl up on your knee if you sit on the floor."

The RSPCA said Charlie was now ready to start a fresh chapter and urged anyone interested in offering the dog a home to complete an online application form.

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