An animal cruelty investigation is underway after a dog was found tied to a lamppost in Salisbury, Wiltshire, on one of the hottest days of the year, only for the owner to reportedly leave the country for a holiday in Egypt.
Wiltshire Council's Public Protection Service stated that the dog may have been intentionally abandoned on Wednesday, as temperatures climbed close to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
The distressed animal, a Japanese Akita named Carla, was discovered running loose on an industrial estate after reportedly escaping from its harness, which had been tied to a lamppost outside a veterinary clinic. Wardens were alerted, and the dog was subsequently rescued and taken for treatment. Officials have confirmed the dog is receiving necessary care and will remain in their custody.
According to reports, the owner, identified as 47-year-old Paula Blackwood, had attempted to rehome Carla the day prior to the incident. Social media posts attributed to Ms. Blackwood show her seeking to find a new home for the Akita immediately, citing separation anxiety as the reason.
One post read: "Japanese Akita to give to good home today. Really good temperament, so loving. I can't keep her as she has separation issues when I'm out, causing neighbours distress." Hours later, she reportedly posted, "Anyone know who takes dog immediately?"
Neighbors informed the Daily Mail that Ms. Blackwood subsequently departed for a holiday in Egypt. It is believed that the dog, which was microchipped with incorrect details, managed to slip out of its harness. Eyewitnesses described the Akita as "petrified" and found the empty harness and lead still tied to the lamppost. Members of the public spent a significant part of the morning attempting to catch the loose dog.
Wiltshire Council confirmed that the likely owner had been identified and that an investigation is ongoing. Ms. Blackwood, who has owned Carla since early last year, has declined to comment when approached by the media. She reportedly faces an animal welfare investigation upon her return from holiday.