The RSPCA is appealing for information after a senior terrier was found dumped outside a veterinary centre in Sandwich, tied to the railings.
Little Tommy is an 11-year-old tri-colour Jack Russell terrier who was found by staff at White Mill Veterinary Centre, in Ash Road on Tuesday morning (27 June).
RSPCA inspector Claire Carter, who was called in to investigate, said: “Staff found Tommy in the morning when they arrived for work. He’d been tied to the railings outside the practice.
“I’m concerned that someone is missing him somewhere or that an owner panicked because he was passing blood.
“He is otherwise in good condition, so I’m sure he’s been a well-cared for pet before. His coat was nicely trimmed, he was well fed and had been tied to the railings with a lovely collar and lead.
“I’d like to appeal directly to the owner to get in touch. Tommy has clearly been well looked after and whoever left him may have done so because they didn’t know what else to do.
“I understand that sometimes it’s worrying when a pet becomes ill and perhaps his owner was concerned about how they were going to pay for vets’ bills, but I’d like to remind people that there is always help out there and that abandoning your pet is never OK.”
Tommy was microchipped but the phone number registered did not work and the address listed no longer exists. The local dog warden had received no reports of missing dogs fitting Tommy’s description.
In April 2016, it became a legal requirement to have dogs microchipped and registered details kept up-to-date.
“We’d urge all owners to get their pets microchipped,” Inspector Carter said. “It means you’re much more likely to be reunited with your beloved pet much more quickly if they go missing or get lost.”
Tommy is now being cared for by RSPCA staff and if his owner does not come forward to claim him, he’ll be rehomed.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give or text LOVE to 87023 to give £3 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).
For more information about microchipping, visit the RSPCA website: www.rspca.org.uk/microchipping.