Calls over abandoned dog aged 19

IF you’re looking to be the new owner of the oldest dog that is up for rehoming, you’d better act quick.

Stormy the terrier cross was left in -3C temperatures in Coventry is the oldest ever to be up for rehoming by the local RSPCA.

The RSPCA rescued the collapsed 19-year-old pooch who had been shut outside in the snow in below freezing temperatures during the arrival of the Beast from the East.

However in just 24 hours since our appeal, the animal charity has already had enquiries.

They said: “The good news is the centre have had some interest in Stormy.”

Stormy is nearly 100 years old in dog years, and RSPCA officers were extremely concerned for his welfare.

RSPCA inspector Herchy Boal said: “Unfortunately during the recent snowy weather we received a huge number of calls - many of which were people who were concerned for dogs that had been shut outside in gardens, despite the freezing temperatures.

“The RSPCA is restricted in what we can do in many of these situations as, while we certainly wouldn’t advise keeping dogs outside, it is not illegal to do so if the dog has adequate shelter.

“However, in some cases, there is an urgent need for our involvement and, when we receive reports of vulnerable and exposed animals in this type of weather, we know we need to respond quickly.”

Inspector Boal said: “Records show it was between -1 and -3C that day and there was a significant amount of snow on the ground.”

But her major concern was his age. At 19, or 92 in dog years, he should not have been outside in that weather.