A COUNCIL is urging people who can’t cope with their dogs not to abandon them, but instead to give them a call.

The appeal has gone out after Chorley Council officers were called out to a dog which had died from starvation and was dumped in woods in Rivington.

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It was the third time in just a couple of weeks that officers had been called out to deal with abandoned dogs – the previous two were so emaciated they had to be put to sleep.

Councillor Marion Lowe, Chorley Council’s animal welfare champion, said: “This is just so upsetting and so unnecessary.

Lancashire Telegraph:

“If people can’t cope with their dog, just ring us and we will collect and rehome it whenever possible. Please don’t be afraid to ask for help, we will do what we can. We can’t offer financial help, but we may be able to put you in touch with someone who can and help in other ways.

“To have three dogs abandoned like this in just a couple of weeks is just heartbreaking.”

The police called the council after a suspicious package was reported in woods in Rivington and it was found to be a female, brindle and white Staffordshire bull terrier about two or three years old which had starved to death.

It had no micro-chip, no identity disc and no collar.

Two other dogs, both elderly had also been dumped.

One was a Labrador with a massive tumour and the other a Cairn terrier which was very neglected, its coat full of lumps and its nails curled round. Both these dogs were in such a state they had to be put down.

Councillor Lowe added: “Both these dogs had been left to die. But it shouldn’t get to this stage, if people feel they can’t look after their dog any more, please contact us on 01257 515151, email contact@chorley.gov.uk or via our website chorley.gov.uk.

"At the very least we can give help and advice.”