It was the early hours of a bitter winter morning when a young pup named Jessie was found alone on Villiers Street in North Melbourne – cold, frightened and rummaging through a rubbish bin for food.
The 10-month-old Staffy cross had been abandoned outside Lort Smith Animal Hospital.
One of the nurses, arriving to start her shift, discovered Jessie in the dark.
“It was quite a distressing scene,” Lort Smith spokeswoman Suzana Talevski.
“Jessie had ripped her lead so we suspect she was tied to something but broke free to look for something to eat in the rubbish bin.”
“It took a bit of effort but she was brought inside and immediately given some food, had a medical examination and wrapped in lots of cuddles and comfort.”
Jessie’s story has left staff heartbroken, and Lort Smith is urging pet owners who are struggling to care for their animals to seek help, not abandon them.
“There are many reasons why someone can no longer keep their pets. We are not here to make judgement calls on anybody,” Ms Talevski said.
Jessie is now safe, recovering well, and available for adoption at Lort Smith’s Campbellfield Adoption Centre.
Dumping animals is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and can result in fines or imprisonment.
“What we are saying however is that there is always another way. A way that won’t be as stressful or scary for your pet,” Ms Talevski said.
“If you can no longer care for your pet, consider re-homing it directly or contacting a reputable shelter or rescue organisation.“
