PEOPLE in Basingstoke are being warned about buying puppies from unlicensed breeders after a dog was found with ulcerated eyes and infected ears, scavenging in bins.

The borough council’s dog warden, Laura, picked up Porridge from a vet after she was found scavenging through bins on a Basingstoke housing estate.

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The council said it is likely that Porridge was caged in dirty conditions and has never been inside a house.

Basingstoke Gazette:

She is not comfortable around people but loves other dogs.

It took Laura a week to gain Porridge’s trust so that she could remove her matted fur.

The dog, who has never been on a lead or seen grass, had ulcerated eyes and badly infected ears with the top left ear missing.

She has now received veterinary care and has been sent to a rescue to start the next chapter of her life.

Laura is now warning residents not to buy puppies from unlicensed breeders.

Issue advice, she is asking people to follow these simple steps:

-Ask to see the breeder’s licence

-Always ask to see the puppy’s mother who should look clean, happy, alert and well-cared for

-Observe the relationship between the mother and the breeder

-Never buy a puppy at a location away from the breeder’s home such as a layby or a car park

Laura said: “By doing this, we can help to prevent dogs like Porridge from suffering in the future.”

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