A PUPPY left for dead in a Co Antrim skip has found a new home.
The young terrier cross, known as Nelson, was found abandoned in a cardboard box in a skip at a Ballymoney refuse site last month.
The dog was left with its face legs and joints covered in mange, a contagious skin disease of mammals caused by parasitic mites.
Now the pup is to be re-homed within weeks.
Since Nelson was discovered at the skip site on July 26, he has been in the care of Causeway Causeway Coast and Glens council at Ballymoney dog pound and on Tuesday was visited by local councillor Darryl Wilson.
"A few weeks ago I called in to see Nelson the pup who was in a very bad condition after being abandoned. He had sores on his body due to a skin condition, he was also quite underweight. It was very difficult not being able to lift or pet Nelson because of his injuries," he said.
"Today I was greeted by a different puppy, Nelson is certainly a handful, his skin condition is clearing up really well (no longer contagious) he has a good bit of weight on, and certainly enjoys getting lots of attention," he wrote in a Facebook post.
"Nelson has been re-homed and will start his new life with his new family in the next few weeks."
Nelson was handed into council officials by Benvardin Animal Rescue Kennels and charity coordinator Sean McIntyre insists the dog should not have remained at the pound past five days.
Due to mange being contagious Nelson had to be kept in quarantine, but no such facilities exist in Ballymoney pound, which has meant no other dogs could be kept at the pound in recent weeks.
"Now any stray dog that's found in Ballymoney can't go to Ballymoney pound. We had a dog last week found in the Ballymoney area and the Ballymoney dog warden refused to come and get it, because he said he had mange in his pound and he wouldn't be picking it up," Mr McIntyre said.
