A DOG warden has spoken about her mixed feelings over her faith in humanity after experiencing latest acts of cruelty in Wyre Forest – and compassion from residents.

Pip Singleton, who works for Worcestershire Regulatory Service is often left heartbroken when she sees what cruelty the strays she picks up have endured.

The latest dog, a Lurcher named Dixie, was dumped in a wooded area in Wyre Forest, and tied to a tree with electrical wire.

She had an open infection on her leg, an old injury, which had not been treated and so had become infected.

Another dog, Mr Moon, was also found in the Wyre Forest area and was underweight, dehydrated and scruffy. He had injuries to his front leg, which had been left untreated and so the leg has had to be amputated.

Pip said: “I know some people will find the photos of these pets very disturbing but I want the public to understand the level of cruelty and suffering we are dealing with on a day to day basis.”

Following a publicity campaign and past stories we featured in The Shuttle, residents have rallied round and sent donations of food, toys and cash to help the dogs get better.

Pugley, who was found in Kidderminster in January, had severe demodectic mange, all his glands were up and swollen, he had a high temperature, hip dysplasia in both back legs and eye and ear infections. But now, his fur has grown back and he is learning to enjoy playing with toys and getting up to mischief.

Minnie Mouse, a Cairn Cross, had a completely matted and filthy coat, which took three people to clip off, when she was found in Stourport in January. She had lumps hanging from her – one was a hernia and her intestines were hanging below her body in the hernia. After an operation – although she faces one more – she is doing well and has a new lease of life.

Pip added: “With the things I see daily I lose faith in humanity – yet when I look at how we managed to turn these dogs’ lives around, with help from the public, it does restore my faith.

“We need to work together to stop this horrific behaviour by reporting dogs who seem in distress, by thinking twice before getting a pet or discouraging friends and family from doing so if they are not financially or time committed.

“These poor defenceless animals just want to be fed, kept warm and loved – surely it takes more effort to mistreat them than to care for them?”

If you are thinking of getting a pet but need more advice, are struggling to care for a current animal or suspect somebody of neglect, call the dog warden on 01905 822799.