A starving dog was left to fend for himself on a pile of rubbish and the horrific discovery brought animal rescuers to tears.
Atticus, a five-year-old Staghound, was found infested with fleas and lice and in an emaciated state in Melbourne’s northwest on June 21.
He weighed less than half his recommended weight when he was brought to Lost Dogs Home, where he is receiving life-saving treatment.
Lost Dogs Homes Director Dr Jessica Wilde said: Herald of the Sun She believes Atticus had been deprived of food for more than six weeks.
“Horrible is the only word to describe it, it’s a devastating sight to see,” he said.
It is not known when Atticus was left to his own devices and Dr Wilde said the dog’s will to live was extraordinary, having likely had to eat dirt to survive.
When he arrived at the Home for Lost Dogs, Atticus couldn’t eat, stand up, or even lift his head, but now he can stand on his own.
Atticus is still unable to clean himself, eat or drink without assistance.
Atticus is still unable to clean himself, eat or drink without assistance and is cared for by a foster family every night.
He is cared for in a dedicated room, covered with blankets and looked after by a foster mother every night.
Dr. Wilde said that even after suffering such disgusting abuse, Atticus has a gentle spirit and shows flashes of kindness.
“Every time we come in, his tail starts wagging and he does his best to sit and interact,” she said.
While there are positive signs, Atticus has a long road to recovery ahead of him and will remain in the care of Lost Dogs Home for the next few months.
Dr. Wilde said Atticus’ condition had left the staff in tears.
“The hardest part of our job is that many of the dogs that end up here have been abandoned by the people who are supposed to love them,” she said.
“They just want to be loved.”
A five-year-old Staghound named Atticus was found infested with fleas and lice in an emaciated state on June 21 and is now being cared for at the Lost Dogs Home in Melbourne.
Dr Wilde said that due to cost of living pressures, Lost Dogs Home and other animal shelters have seen an increase in the number of pets surrendered, but “there is no excuse” for cases like Atticus’.
Dr. Wilde said: ABC The rise in numbers can also be attributed to “pandemic pets” purchased during the Covid pandemic that were delivered as people stopped working from home and resumed their normal lives.
ABC reported that the shelter saw a 44 percent increase in the total number of animals surrendered between 2021 and 2023 — 1,981 surrendered last year alone.