Rescued dog Atticus making a remarkable recovery as vets warn of increasing animal neglect
A dog left for dead on a pile of trash in Melbourne's western suburbs has made a remarkable recovery after he was rescued last month. Vets say Atticus' ordeal highlights a growing issue of animal neglect, as the cost-of-living crisis takes its toll on pet owners.
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00:00Abandoned by his owners, found close to death on a trash heap.
00:06It was absolutely horrific. He was basically a skeleton when he walked through the doors.
00:10It's devastating. No animal should ever feel like a piece of trash discarded.
00:14When Atticus was found, he was less than half his recommended body weight.
00:18He couldn't eat or go to the toilet alone, requiring around-the-clock care.
00:22He often cries if I leave his side, so the other night I slept on the floor beside his bed
00:28and gave him all the love and attention that he deserves.
00:31Ten days later, things are on the up.
00:33Every day he's getting stronger, and now with that strength he leans into me,
00:37lifts his muzzle and licks me on the face.
00:39We still can't get too close to Atticus. He remains so fragile with such a long journey ahead.
00:44The vets are confident he will make a full recovery,
00:47but they're worried about how many other pets out there won't be as lucky.
00:51Unfortunately we are seeing cases like this more and more
00:54as the cost-of-living crisis is impacting Australians.
00:57The RSPCA says it's receiving 600 calls for help every month, a 20% jump on last year.
01:03We see people making heartbreaking decisions about whether to feed themselves or to feed their pet.
01:09Charity Pets of the Homeless says it can't keep up with demand
01:12as more people struggle to pay for pet food.
01:14It is heartbreaking to see and we're doing the best that we can
01:17to help support people with what they need and what their pets need as well.
01:20Particularly people who might be in a vulnerable situation,
01:24having their pet with them is more likely to help them through that situation.
01:28Animal groups remain desperate for more donations and volunteers
01:32in the hopes more pets like Atticus can have the life they deserve.
01:36Dogs are just the best kind of creatures.
01:38They love, all they want is to be good boys, good girls
01:43and right now Atticus is showing us everything that he just wants to be around his people.