Outrage as starving dog found fighting to survive in Leitrim forest

Outrage has erupted after a severely neglected dog was discovered in a forest in Leitrim, surviving by feeding on animal remains.

Leitrim Animal Welfare described how their Animal Warden Service rescued the young collie, noting he had “clearly been trying to survive on his own for far too long.”

The dog had reportedly been wandering around the Aughawillan area for two weeks before the service was alerted over the weekend. The organisation shared images on Facebook highlighting the dog’s condition.

“This poor boy is in heartbreaking condition. He is extremely underweight, just skin and bones, and was absolutely starving when found. He also appears to have an issue with one of his eyes that will need veterinary attention,” a spokesperson explained.

When found, the dog was wearing a collar with a rope still attached, and his fur was badly matted. Leitrim Animal Welfare said he had been surviving by making a den in the forest, where he was discovered alongside the remains of a deer carcass he had been feeding on to stay alive.

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The shelter brought the dog in, where he was given food, cleaned up, and provided with a safe and comfortable place to rest. They are now asking anyone with information about the dog to come forward.

Highlighting the large number of dogs in need of help, the shelter urged people to think carefully before breeding their pets.

“Once puppies leave your care, you have no control over where they end up or the kind of life they may have. This dog was once a puppy too. Now he is a terrified young adult, frightened of humans and the world around him. He deserved so much better,” the post concluded.

The Facebook post has received more than 2,000 interactions and over 200 comments from people expressing outrage at the situation.

“Heartbreaking to see these photos. Cruel humans out there. Hope he will have a safe home soon,” one person said.

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“There is no excuse for ill treating a beautiful, once trusting animal. Its hard to regain this trust, hopefully not forever. Please consider where your puppy goes, dogs are not bred to be money machines,” said another.

“Pity our world wouldn't have more kind human beings like the ones that saved this poor innocent dog. People are so cruel an animal wouldn't do that to one of their own,” another comment said.