RSPCA Inspectors were confronted with one of the worst
cases of neglect they had ever seen when they discovered Lambert, a young
Maltese/Poodle cross, lying saturated in his own faeces and urine, barely
conscious in the backyard of his Melbourne home.
It was the middle of Winter, and Lambert lay unable to move is his dripping
wet bed, literally freezing to death. He had no food or water, and from his
emaciated state, it appeared he’d been without a meal for some time.
He was only 7 months old.
According to his owners, Lambert had hurt his leg after falling down a drain
some time ago. But rather than seek medical treatment for him, they moved
house, abandoning Lambert in the backyard of their former home.
On arrival at the RSPCA Burwood East Clinic, Lambert was in a state of
severe mental depression. He was obviously not aware of his surroundings and
only minimally responsive to the sounds and lights of the clinic.
There was little hope for Lambert’s survival, but vets immediately set about
treating him for malnutrition, hypothermia, and the severe skin lesions that
had resulted from weeks spent lying in his own urine.
After 25 days of intensive care, Lambert’s health had finally begun to
improve. Some weeks later, his leg fracture was able to be successfully
repaired, and Lambert’s playful and gentle personality finally started to
appear.
Lambert will always carry the physical evidence of his painful and
disturbing past, with mild signs of permanent brain damage, impaired vision,
burn scars and some restriction in the use of his leg. However his spirit
and determination allowed him to survive, and now, thanks to generous
donations from the community, he has been given a second chance.
Lambert loves his new life with his foster carer who
decided to adopt him permanently. He shares his home with his tabby cat
mate, Nala, who loves him just as much as his new owner does.
Don’t let other animals suffer the agony Lambert
endured.
Last year alone, RSPCA Inspectors investigated over 14,400 cruelty
complaints throughout Victoria and cared for over 40,000 animals. Yet
funding from the State Government only covers 4% of the total amount it
costs us to provide this care.
So in order for animals to live a life free from cruelty and neglect, the
RSPCA needs regular, ongoing support.
By becoming an Animal Ambassador with a monthly
tax-deductible donation from just $10, you can make a real difference to
the lives of animals in Victoria.
As an Animal Ambassador, you’ll be helping the RSPCA to:
Rescue animals from cruel and neglectful conditions.
Rehabilitate injured, stray and abandoned animals.
Find new homes for animals in need.
Speak for the animals that can’t speak for themselves.
