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A council is appealing for information after two dogs were found in poor condition – with one sadly going blind – and abandoned on the same day in different villages.
The first lost pet, a female Shih Tzu, was found straying around London Road in Teynham, near Sittingbourne, on Tuesday, August 4.
Swale council’s stray dog service discovered she was in a “very poor” condition and was “extremely matted”, with an eye infection and an open wound on one of her back legs.
The dog – named Callie – was chipped, but it had not been registered so owners were unable to be contacted.
Having been examined by a vet, a stray dog service spokesman said Callie’s story was “a very sad tale”.
He said: “It’s been confirmed that she’s blind, but if medical treatment had been sought sooner, she would have kept her vision.
"She was absolutely covered in grass seeds that had embedded into her skin, causing a huge infection. Most have been removed, but she will need to be fully shaved to find the rest.
“The wounds she has have been caused by self-mutilation, where the grass seeds have irritated her skin.
“At only two years old, she hasn’t had the best start, but she can now relax in foster care and begin to recover.”
On the same morning – August 4 – a female lurcher was found straying around Cumberland Drive in Lower Halstow.
The stray dog service said she was “very skinny” and had a “few abrasions to her face and ears”.
No microchip could be detected either, despite the fact they were made compulsory from April 2016.
The pooch, which was being kept at Karebear Kennels in Gillingham, has since been moved to a foster-based rescue space as an owner was not located.
Swale council is asking anyone who recognises these dogs to call 01795 417850.
A spokesman added: “We haven’t seen a rise in ‘lockdown dogs’ being abandoned and we’d like to make sure this continues as more people return to the office.
"When getting a new dog, people should research the breed so they know what to expect and how to care for them.
"You should always use a reputable breeder and make sure dogs are microchipped as is legally required.
“Good training is vital to make sure you have a happy and well behaved dog. There is lots of support and advice available online about how to do it yourself, and there are lots of dog training classes offered by professional trainers in the area.”
