Underweight dogs found abandoned at Downham
The shocking story and pictures of two underweight dogs dumped and tied to a tree in Downham have been released by the RSPCA.
Milly and Tilly have since found loving new homes but the way they were abandoned has been condemned by the rescue organisation.
Emily Cole, manager at West Norfolk's Re-Homing Centre, said: '“It is just really heartbreaking that whoever had them previously felt that this was the only option to abandon them - when they could have asked for help.”
It was especially harrowing to find that Tilly was wearing an electric shock collar which the RSPCA wants banned in this country.
The pair were found on July 20 and collected by the dog warden before going to the Eau Brink Centre.
Milly is around eight to 10 years old and a female chocolate labrador. She was underweight and suffering from mange. Tilly, a round 18 months old and a mastiff type cross and was also underweight.
Both dogs were microchipped but Milly’s chip was unregistered - while Tilly’s chip was only registered to a breeder who had then sold her on. Neither of the dogs were neutered.
Emily said they were both friendly dogs. “Tilly, who is very nervous, is still the most sweet loving little dog - when she arrived here she jumped out of the van and planted her paws on my shoulders to give me a kiss - she is so very affectionate.
“It is a mystery what has happened for these dogs as to why they were abandoned and what happened to them to lead them to suddenly losing weight in such a short space of time.
“I understand that people sometimes end up in situations where they may struggle to care for their pet and we’d always urge anyone in that situation to seek help - abandoning them is not the answer and fortunately in this instance they were found, but that isn’t always the case.
“Thankfully, Tilly and Milly did really well in our care - they are just the sweetest pair of dogs - they are friendly and polite which means they have been in a home previously.
Emily said it was especially upsetting to find Tilly wearing a shock collar which is already illegal in Wales.
“These collars are used to train and control cats and dogs but can cause pain and fear. They’re unnecessary for long-term behavioural change which can be achieved using positive reward-based training.”
It brought a reaction from North West Norfolk MP James Wild who said:"The ban on the use of shock collars is not yet set in law in England. Following a consultation and as set out in the Government's Action Plan for Animal Welfare, these cruel electronic training collars will be banned under new legislation and ministers will lay the necessary legislation as soon as Parliamentary time allows.”