Warning: This article contains photos and a video of emaciated dogs, which some readers may find disturbing.
An animal-rescue organisation, which has saved a dog and two puppies that were in an “emaciated state”, has approached the Department of Agriculture about potential prosecution in the case.
One Dog at a Time was alerted to the condition of the animals by a concerned neighbour who posted a photo of the larger dog on social media on Friday, 24 March.
“We have the emaciated mangy dog reported to us on Friday… thanks to the team that jumped into action this morning,” ODAAT said in a Facebook post.
On arrival at the home in West Bay on Monday morning they also found two puppies in a similar state with open sores on their heads, and asked the owner to surrender the animals.
The video below from ODAAT shows the mother dog being rescued.
Paula Wythe, ODAAT secretary and treasurer, told the Compass: “They are in that condition because they have been neglected”, adding they were emaciated with severe mange.
“The pups are the size of eight-week-old pups but are actually eight months old due to lack of food etc,” she said.
The mother, who has severe heartworm, and her puppies, will remain boarded at a veterinarian clinic until they are more stable and can be put into foster homes.
The team is looking for help to pay the vet bills.
“Any help, even $1 is appreciated,” the group said. “Thanks to everyone who can support. This family has been let down by our community. Things will be better for them now.”
The group is in discussion with the Department of Agriculture about potential prosecution in this case.
The Compass has reached out to the Department of Agriculture for comment and is awaiting a response.
Funds needed
One Dog at a Time is a foster-based dog rescue group founded in 2013 after a boom in Grand Cayman’s pet population. It gained its non-profit status in 2017.
The group rescues unwanted dogs and puppies from the streets and from the Department of Agriculture’s pound where they are at risk of euthanasia.
Fundraising events and donations help to cover the cost of veterinary care, spaying and neutering, and treating for heartworm or other issues such as ringworm.
Funds also pay for collars and leashes, dog crates, dog bowls, pet waste bags, food and medication while the dogs are in foster homes, and for transport to the United States.
The group rescues and re-homes between 10 and 20 dogs a month and has about 10 to 15 canines on its books at any one time. It needs to raise at least $4,000 a month to cover these costs.
It encourages the public to let them know of any animal-welfare issues. Reports can be made to 911 in the event of an emergency or through the DOA’s website.
Animal-cruelty investigations do not include dangerous animals or barking dogs. Those should be reported to the police.
Donations to ODAAT can be made online through Butterfield Bank KYD account number 1361674940011 or via PayPal to [email protected].
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