ABANDONED DOG BUSTER SAVED FROM CERTAIN DEATH

AN ABANDONED dog has been saved from certain death after being cruelly left locked in a house without food or water for more than TWO WEEKS.

Buster the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was rescued by a Middlesbrough Council Environmental Neighbourhood Safety Warden after he was left for dead at a vacant property in Park End.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston today said there was "no way" those responsible for "such callous and cruel treatment of a beautiful animal" would be allowed to get away with it.

The authority was made aware of the issue after a British Gas engineer entered the address with a locksmith to switch off the supply to the empty property.

On arrival Middlesbrough Council's Chris Bacon was directed to the dog which had been left in a kitchen but without access to food or water.

An unaware neighbour then told that they had not seen anyone at the property for "well over two weeks".

Amazingly despite his ordeal Buster, who is thought to be around four years old, was in good spirits.

"Once I arrived on the scene the dog immediately greeted me with his paw and was so friendly, I think he was just happy to see people," said Environmental Neighbourhood Safety Warden, Chris.

"I was able to find a microchip and confirmed that the dog's name as Buster which he responded to. Buster gladly hopped into the van without any issues at all."

Buster has now been taken to a local dog re-homing charity where he will be cared for and nursed back to full health before a new home is sought for him.

An investigation is now underway by Middlesbrough Council and the matter has been reported to the RSPCA also.

Chris added: "Buster is such a happy, friendly dog and I really hope his next home is his forever home.

"How anybody can be so cruel and irresponsible with such a lovely dog is completely beyond me."

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: "There's no doubt at all that Buster was left for dead and no way are we going to let someone get away with such callous and cruel treatment of a beautiful animal.

"We'll leave no stone unturned and anyone with any information at all can give it to us anonymously if they wish.

"Thankfully Buster seems to be in good health despite this terrible incident and we hope he is soon back in a loving home where he is cared for properly."

Last month Middlesbrough Council workers rescued a German Shepherd named Max who had been left tied to a fence at a building site off Stainton Way. Max was also taken to a charity for re-homing dogs.

• Anyone with any information about Buster or his owners can call 01642 773362 or email evidence@middlesbrough.gov.uk

ENDS

Press Notice 6619. 12/08/21

Issued by Andrew Pain, Senior Communications Officer on 01642 729503.

www.middlesbrough.gov.uk

Follow Middlesbrough Council on Twitter: @MbroCouncil

NOTES TO EDITORS

Picture captions

Pn6619 Buster 1 & 2 - Photos show Buster the Staffordshire Bull Terrier who was rescued by a Middlesbrough Council worker after being left on his own in a house in Park End for more than two weeks.