New life for Tilly as Cindy begins recovery

April 9 2009

It has been a day of highs and lows at the RSPCA with one of our residents getting a new lease on life and another, just starting her journey on the long road to recovery.

You may recall Tilly, the little dog whose plight caused so much outrage last week when she was brought to the RSPCA imprisoned in a coat of her own unkempt hair. Neglected by her then-owners, Tilly was allowed to wander around blinded by her own hair which completely covered her eyes and caused infections all over her skin.

Tilly's condition was described by the inspector investigating her case as the "worst case of matting" he had ever seen.

At noon today Tilly left the RSPCA to start a new life safe in the arms of a Ballajura couple who had heard about her on TV and through the newspapers. "It's a magnificent result for Tilly and we wish her and Mr and Mrs Bellety - her new owners - the very best for the future," said Richard Barry

But as with most days at the RSPCA, bad news was never far away.

At around 3pm a female boxer known as "Cindy" was brought to the RSPCA, emaciated, frightened and very confused.

Cindy was seized from her owner in Langford who behaved aggressively towards our inspector. She is now in our veterinary unit where she is receiving immediate treatment.

Her owner is now the subject of investigation.

"Cindy is incredibly thin" said Mr Barry. "Her bones protrude all over her body and she is barely strong enough to walk.

"She is in appaling condition and the RSPCA will be looking at whether a prosecution against her owner is now appropriate. In the short term however we have to look at what Cindy needs to recover and judging by the way she wolfed down a meal we just gave her, the first thing she will need is proper nutrition."

Cindy will now undergo an extensive rehabilitation program which will include a high protein and high calorie diet to get her weight up.

"No matter how many times one witnesses this sort of abuse, it never fails to register," said Mr Barry.

 

If you have witnessed cruelty to an animal, or are aware of an animal that is suffering due to neglect, contact us.