Jam Press/White Cross Vets / SplashNews.com
Earlier this month, you may have seen heartbreaking of a stray Labrador who was left for dead after being “used as bait” for dog fights and “abused” by humans.
Sometimes, it seems exploitative to publicize animal abuse, but it serves a purpose. The injured animals featured almost always invoke passionate responses from those who want to help. They not only offer the animals a home, but donate food, supplies and services, which often enable the animals to receive surgeries, care and treatment that they could not otherwise afford. The problem is, for every victimized animal that receives an outpouring of assistance and attention, there are thousands more who suffer and die in anonymity and others who will be born, only to be mistreated. If only we could change the entire system and not only render aid to all the animals who need it, but put measures in place to catch and criminalize abusers, before they get a chance to perpetuate their atrocities.
And of course, we need to spay and neuter more animals to keep the numbers who cannot find good homes down.
The Labrador in this case, who has since been named Connie by the vets caring for her, was discovered with horrific injuries by a member of the public in Sherdley Park, St Helens, Merseyside, on 22 September. After being rushed to White Cross Vets, Connie underwent emergency surgery to disinfect and close her gaping wounds, which are thought to have been inflicted by other dogs as she was used as “bait” for “dog fighting practice”. Whilst examining her, the vets discovered that the yellow Labrador, who wasn’t microchipped and is thought to have been stolen, had also suffered injuries consistent with being abused by humans, including bruised kidneys.
“Connie was in a serious condition when she was brought to us by a member of the public,” Catherine Morley, White Cross Vets Clinic director told Jam Press. “We don’t know what she has been through in the past, but thanks to a huge team effort from our staff, the dog wardens at St Helens Borough Council and North West Labrador Rescue she has a much brighter future ahead of her. “All the staff have fallen in love with Connie and we’re all so pleased that she’s coming through the other side of this terrible ordeal.” The dog’s surgery was predominantly funded by the White Cross clinic’s care fund, whose staff gave up days off and weekends to care for Connie unpaid. North West Labrador Rescue and St Helens Borough Council’s Dog Welfare and Enforcement Team, also stepped in to pay part of the bill and ensure the precious pooch received the vital treatment.
We need more happy endings like this one. Better yet, we need to get to a point where the need for animal rescue from horrific conditions is greatly reduced and, maybe, eliminated entirely. That would be the real happy ending.