A 19-YEAR-OLD dog shut out in minus three degree temperatures is lucky to be alive after being rescued from the Beast from the East.
The RSPCA rescued Stormy, a terrier cross who was found collapsed after being stuck outside in the snow during the Siberian weather conditions that engulfed much of the UK.
He could become the oldest dog to ever be rehomed by the Newbrook Farm Animal Centre and one of the oldest ever to be rescued by the charity.
The animal welfare charity received an anonymous call to an address in Coventry.
Inspector Herchy Boal said: “Unfortunately during the recent snowy weather we received a huge number of calls – many of which were people who were concerned for dogs that had been shut outside in gardens, despite the freezing temperatures.
“The RSPCA is restricted in what we can do in many of these situations as, while we certainly wouldn’t advise keeping dogs outside, it is not illegal to do so if the dog has adequate shelter.
“However, in some cases, there is an urgent need for our involvement and, when we receive reports of vulnerable and exposed animals in this type of weather, we know we need to respond quickly.”
“Records show it was between -1 and -3 degrees that day and there was a significant amount of snow on the ground.”
But her major concern was his age. At 19, or 92 in dog years, he should not have been outside in that weather, say the charity.
He was taken to the vets at RSPCA Newbrook Farm Animal Hospital in Birmingham.
He has had veterinary checks and some dental work, and is now being looked after by staff in the Newbrook Farm Animal Centre where he will go up for re-homing.
Insp Boal added: “Despite his age, Stormy is in generally good health and we’d like to find him a lovely new home,”
“He’s a really sweet little dog and he’d make the perfect companion for an older person who wants to share their sofa with a new friend.”
Anyone interested in offering Stormy a new home should contact RSPCA Newbrook Farm Animal Centre by calling 0300 123 8585.
To donate visit www.rspca.org.uk/give.
