A YOUNG puppy has been found dumped in a skip in Co Antrim and left for dead.
In the shocking instance of animal cruelty the eight-week old terrier cross puppy was found abandoned in a cardboard box at a Ballymoney refuse site, before later being discovered by a man dumping rubbish.
Sean McIntyre, charity co-ordinator for Benvardin Animal Rescue Kennels told the Irish News the animal had been left in an horrific condition.
"The dog's face was completely covered in mange, even in below its legs, all its joints were red raw," he said.
Mange is a skin disease of mammals caused by parasitic mites. It is characterised by severe itching, hair loss, and the formation of scabs and lesions.
"Even the dog warden was shocked when he saw it and he sees things like this on a daily basis. It's an extreme case of animal cruelty.For somebody to do that, it just makes you think what would they do with their children." he said.
After his traumatic ordeal Mr McIntyre is hopeful that 'Stig' will make a full recovery.
"The scabs and sores are quite bad and may leave some type of marking on it, but it's young enough so it should make a good recovery," he said
The USPCA has condemned those responsible and urged anyone with information to contact police.
"The abandonment of the Ballymoney puppy is at best criminal, at worst heartless," a spokesman said
"Puppies are always a popular choice and we have no doubt the abandoned pup could have found a caring family without it being consigned to a skip. Should you come across a stray or abandoned dog you should always involve the dog warden. All dogs should, by law, be micro-chipped so strays can be returned to their owner."
