Dog 'days from death' now thriving

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NEGLECTED: Cassie when the SPCA found her was "days from death", according to SPCA Auckland chief inspector Vicki Border.

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NEW LIFE: Vicki Border with Cassie, the now healthy and happy dog.

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A dog that was days from death is recovering well after being rescued by the SPCA - and members of the public can continue the trend by keeping their eyes and ears open to animal cruelty.

In mid-October the SPCA was alerted by a member of the public to Cassie - a dog that was malnourished and dehydrated after not being fed for weeks.

SPCA Auckland chief inspector Vicki Border estimates she was just three days from death.

"Someone had just tied her up and left her to die.

"It's been years since I've seen a case of neglect this serious."

Cassie was removed from the property and received emergency medical treatment at the SPCA Auckland Animal Village.

Border says the first few days were touch and go but 21 days later Cassie was "like a different dog".

"I had to carry her in here that first day - she was so weak she could barely stand.

"Now she is out enjoying daily walks and running around in the local park."

She says Cassie is recovering in foster care with the potential to be adopted further down the track.

"Often when a dog has been denied food for so long, they can develop serious trust issues and become extremely food-aggressive.

"Thankfully this has not been the case with Cassie."

The SPCA is taking action to prosecute Cassie's former owners and expects the case to go to court next year.

Border says members of the public can help the SPCA achieve more success stories by being alert to animal abuse.

"We can't be everywhere at once - we need members of the public to keep their eyes and ears open and call us if they see or hear an animal in distress."

The SPCA is able to protect animals from abuse, neglect and abandonment under the Animal Welfare Act.

People who suspect animal cruelty can report cases to SPCA by calling 09 256 7300.

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