Paulina W. adopted a friendly female bulldog from the Wroclaw branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Towarzystwo Opieki Nad Zwierzętami). The dog was called Doda and was calm and extremely likeable. The volunteers at the shelter had no doubts the woman who had shown her love of animals in a variety of demonstrations would turn out to be a responsible and caring owner. "That's what it looked like at the beginning. The woman would send pictures of the happy dog. It seemed as if Doda had finally found a happy home," says Mateusz Czmiel, Spokesman for the Wroclaw branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Doda's ordeal
After five months, Paulina W. brought back the dog to the society's premises. She said that the dog had turned out mean, she stank, was aggressive and chomped on anything she could reach. The "caring owner" dragged the emaciated dog on her leash. The dog changed beyond any recognition. She was sad and listless. "We asked the woman if the dog was ill or contracted parasites or if she consulted a vet. We couldn't accept the thought she would starve her own dog," adds Mateusz Czmiel. The medical examination corroborated the worst-case scenario. The dog was dehydrated and had anaemia. The volunteers reported the affair to the police. It turned out that not only did the owner starve the dog, but she also kept her in the cage without food or water.
Final in court
An indictment against Paulina W. has just been submitted to court. Starving a dog and animal abuse is punishable by a year in prison and a fine. Doda recovered after several weeks she had spent with caring and watchful volunteers. "We were lucky to rescue her. And she found a new and happy home immediately afterwards. We pay regular visits to see if everything is all right. Her new owners say she's a wonderful companion," adds Mateusz Czmiel.
Call the police when you see something suspicious
Volunteers at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals say they do their best to see what is happening with the adopted dogs. "We ask the owners to send current photographs. We make phone calls. Doda's owner sent us photos. Then she stopped," says Mateusz Czmiel. Hence the announcement. If you have noticed that something suspicious is happening around you or if your neighbour's cat or dog looks ill or battered, please report it to your local branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Send your emails at: [email protected].
Photograph: TOZ Wrocław
