A COUNTY dog warden is highlighting appalling cases of dog cruelty in Bromsgrove and Redditch as part of an ongoing campaign.

Maxi, a Collie Cross, was picked up in Redditch. He was found emaciated, could hardly stand, had fur loss and severe flea infestation.

Although there was a big attempt to save him his emaciation was so bad vets were forced to put him down after just three weeks.

Fairy, a Schig Tzu who was found straying in Bromsgrove at the end of January, had such a severe infection in her eye it had to be removed.

Her other eye has an ulcer in it but Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) officers hope it can be saved.

Worcestershire Regulatory Services dog warden, Pip Singleton, said: “Fairy’s iris and cornea literally has burst through the eyeball because of the infection and the pressure would have been immense. I can only describe this, in human terms, as having a massive constant migraine for a long time.

“Fairy would have been in great pain and if her owners had sought help from the vets when the infection was in its early stages, all this could have been avoided and she would have kept her full eye sight.

"Once again the council taxpayer has picked up the bill because owners weren’t prepared for the financial responsibility that having a pet brings.”

The dog warden added that when she was picked up she was really distressed and in agony, so they had no choice other than to remove the eye.

WRS joint committee chairman Mark Bullivant said: “When we make purchases like buying a car or a kitchen appliance, we research these products. Yet people get pets without looking into the true cost of time and money that they will need.

“While I am proud to be highlighting the work of the WRS dog wardens, I am sickened by the way animals are neglected and ill-treated in this day and age.

"Please think twice before you get a pet because they really are for life.”

Anyone thinking of getting a pet but needs more advice, or who is struggling to care for a pet or suspects neglect of an animal, can call the warden on 01905 822799.