WE BREATHE
Photography by Melissa Hodge
A SERIES OF IMAGES DOCUMENTING THE LIVES OF DOGS IN THE CARE OF THE RSPCA AND HOW THEY LIVE THEIR LIVES AS SHELTER ANIMALS
KELLY This is Kelly, a 10 year old Border Collie, taken from her owner by inspectors for neglection. She was significantly underweight and bald around her back end and legs due to an untreated flea allergy. X-rays also showed that she had eaten 15 coins and a bottle cap.
ALF
This is Alf, a 1 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross. He was signed over to the RSPCA inspectors by his owner who admitted that they were not caring for him properly.
DUKE This is Duke, a 6 year old mastiff. He was handed over to the RSPCA by his owners with his sister from the same litter. She was rehomed very quickly by the RSPCA, however, Duke has been in kennels for over 6 months now. He was moved from kennel to kennel due to being in the same place for too long with no chance of a new home.
Due to his size and not being cared for appropriately, he started getting ulcers and sores over his body. These were treated by the RSPCA to prevent further infection.
BRUNO This is Bruno, a 7 year Border Collie. He and his brother Diesel were brought to the RSPCA as part of a multi animal case in which they were nelgected by their owner. Their owner refused to sign over the dogs as he felt he had done no wrong. This means the dogs must stay in the care of the RSPCA until the court resolve the issue.
Both Bruno and Diesel could end up staying in the RSPCA for weeks, if not months, depending on how long it takes for the court to make a verdict. This is both cruel and unfair for an animal, especially for a breed such as their own, who thrive off open spaces and the outdoors.
LOVE, CARE, AFFECTION These are just some of the things a dog needs to grow. In the event of a dog not recieving them, it may become a nuisance. It is a this point when the dog is neglected and no longer cared for as appropriate. The animals are then taken in by institutions like the RSPCA for further care. Once an animal has been mistreated, it may be injured or become unattached to humans or other animals. This requires extensive training and medical care from the institution.
Unfortunately the RSPCA is funded by donations and there is only so much money from this that can enable them to pay for enough medical equipment and trainers available for all the animals. When there are too many animals to care for they are moved from place to place like orphans. Soon enough they become unattached from others, requiring much more training. The longer it takes for an animal to be trained, the longer it will take for it to be welcomed to a new loving home. The RSPCA needs all the help they can get from what is left of our ‘loving society’. Dogs breathe the same air we do and need just the same amount of love too.