"It was awful to see a dog in such a state of neglect. She is no more than a year old; still a baby and such a rough start in life."

As animal lovers we find it hard to read any sad stories about animals but it's important to raise awareness. These are not once off stories, these stories of neglect are happening all the time. Over the weekend the ISPCA rescued a terrified dog that was found locked in a crate after a call came in from a member of the public reporting the situation. The dog, a collie lurcher cross, has since been named Kim by the rescue centre. They don't know how long she was in the crate for, but she was underweight and her nails were overgrown which the ISPCA said is likely down to her not getting enough exercise. Kim was surrendered and taken into ISPCA care for a veterinary assessment. ISPCA Inspector Deirdre Scally said: “It was awful to see a dog in such a state of neglect and I was glad I was able to rescue Kim, before her condition deteriorated any further. She is no more than a year old; still a baby and such a rough start in life. Kim is in the safe hands now, and she is recovering well in ISPCA care." Deirdre went on to say: “Pet owners need to be aware of their legal responsibilities. There is no excuse for animal neglect and if circumstances change, then people need to ask for help. "When taking on the responsibility of a dog, or any animal, pet owners must provide a basic level of care. Rescuing animals that have been cruelly treated, neglected and abused is the centre of my job, said Deirdre and there was failings by the owner in providing for this dogs basic needs." Stories like Kim's aren't a once off, they are all too familiar to the ISPCA. They receive calls all the time on their National Animal Cruelty Helpline on 1890515 515 about animals in danger and in need of rescuing.