Kenny. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
CAL ROBERTS
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A starving 12-week-old puppy was left abandoned outside Masterton pound on Dixon St on Monday night, one of the coldest of the year.
Christened ‘Kenny’ by dismayed Masterton District Council staff who found him, he is the third disowned puppy found in Masterton this month.
A family found a puppy on Dixon St on May 3, which was adopted by them a week later.
A second puppy was found nearby a couple of weeks later and taken to the SPCA.
On Tuesday morning, Kenny was found tied up in the cold.
Council manager of strategic planning Tania Madden said the puppies were probably from the same litter.
“This little guy is around 12 weeks old and lucky to be found alive – he weighed only 3.1 kilos when we found him.”
She said the dumping of puppies was a clear demonstration of why people needed to make sure their pets were de-sexed.
“It’s really hard for council to manage and rehome young puppies like this one.
“Our dog facility isn’t set up for young puppies and without the breed and other history, it’s hard to ensure we’re finding them the right home.”
Dog registration was $51 cheaper for dogs in the urban area if they’re de-sexed.
Mrs Madden said if dog owners found themselves with an unwanted litter they should talk to their vets or the SPCA.
When the council finds an animal, it stays in its custody for seven days.
“We advertise the dogs in our pound on the [council] website. We also expect owners to call us if they have had any dogs go missing.”
After seven days, the dog becomes property of the council and can be adopted out.
