Published: May 13, 2008
Dog warden issues appeal after animal is found in 'appalling condition'

Sedgemoor District Council's dog warden is trying to trace the owners of this Staffordshire Bull Terrier which has been found in an "appalling condition" near Burnham-On-Sea.

A farmer spotted the animal in a water trough on the moors near Mark last Friday (May 9th) and contacted the council's dog warden, Fiona Jeffries.

Fiona told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The dog was unable to stand and on contact screamed with pain so a veterinary surgeon from Axe Valley Vets was immediately called to assess her."

"She was taken to the surgery for immediate attention as she was very dehydrated, very underweight and obviously suffering from severe Mange covering three quarters of her body. It has caused wounds and swelling of joints."

"It wasn't known if she would survive even the night, but she's doing amazingly well, eating, and being bathed and can walk short distances."

"She would certainly not be with us today if she had not been found because she would not to get any water and with the current warm weather would probably not have lasted another 24 hours."

"Her condition would have taken months to get to such a severe stage, but with a lot of love and care she will again be a beautiful little girl."

Fiona added that anyone with information about the dog's history should contact the Sedgemoor dog warden on 0845 4082540.