Recently at the Leguan District Hospital, this newspaper witnessed a dog standing at the doorway crying softly and lifting its right hind leg that had a fishing hook stuck in it, only to find out later that it was done deliberately.
The leg appeared to be infected and the dog was not able to walk for too long. Thinking that the wound was fresh and that the health workers were not aware of it, this newspaper decided to ask them to help the dog by removing the hook.
It was then that we learnt that the dog’s leg was hooked since July and that there was no vet in the district to take care of it. The health workers also told us that the leg would have to be amputated.
What was even more heartbreaking, was that some people in the compound told us that another dog succumbed after a hook that was set deliberately, pierced its tongue.
They said too that a group of stray dogs would squeeze through the fence of a religious place on the island looking for food. Members would be annoyed and do whatever it took to get rid of the dogs.
This newspaper was told too that a group of young boys would tease the dogs, which would in turn attack them and even run after people on cycles and bark at them. The boys would also treat the dogs cruelly as a result.
Meanwhile, it was also shocking to learn that two other dogs belonging to a family, were poisoned in their yard.
This stemmed from the dogs barking at people when they entered the yard of some residents who are currently overseas, without permission.
Not wanting the dogs to draw attention to their presence, the trespassers decided to silence them.
The family told Stabroek News that they loved their dogs a lot and were heartbroken when it happened.
Residents are hoping that help would be available for the dog soon and that something would be done to put a stop to the cruelty.
