'His owner didn't care' - Anger as dog given away in pub dies after poisoning

There has been a huge outpouring of anger after a dog picked up by a rescue charity died having been given away "to a fella in the pub."

My Lovely Horse Rescue posted details of the heartbreaking case after the little eight-month-old Jack Russell died from suspected poisoning in his stomach last week. 

The rescue centre picked Larry up in Dublin after "he was dumped and was breathing really badly." 

They said: "We rushed to Dublin and got him straight to our after hours vet at Blackwater Veterinary Clinic." He was then brought to Kilcock where x-rays were carried out and he was placed on a drip. 

A heartbreaking video of Larry from the time he was picked up shows his breathing extremely laboured. My Lovely Horse said the young dog was microchipped but rescuers were shocked by the response of his registered owner.

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"We called the number and the person who answered said in his very own words, 'ah I gave him away to a fella at the pub.'"

They added: "Larry’s owner didn’t care, he gave him away in a pub! We are so angry, this man gets away with treating Larry like a second hand object."

In an update on Larry last week, My Lovely Horse Rescue said: "We had to let baby Larry go this evening, the poison had damaged his liver and kidneys, our vets were as heart broken as us .

"This little boy was part of the MLHR Family for less than 24 hours, we sobbed for him. It was so unfair, only 8 months old, heartbreaking.

"We are so sorry this country let you down Larry, we need stronger enforcement."

The incredible rescue service asked for support from members of the public to help other animals they care for in similar situation. You can donate to My Lovely Horse Rescue here.

Followers of the My Lovely Horse Rescue pages on social media have been reacting to the case with anger. One person wrote: "The level of cruelty towards animals in this country is beyond sickening, its heartbreaking, people need to be held accountable and punished, something has to change."

A second said: "Just heartbreaking, the poor pet. Shame on the person who did this. Thank you for doing your best to help the poor pet."