Pet lovers fight to save disabled Bulgarian dog homed in Newport

Bobi, a three-year-old terrier was brought into the country on December 21 by animal charities K9 Rescue and Action Aid for Animals which help bring disadvantaged animals into the country to be rehomed.

Bobi is severely disabled and is paralysed in both back legs. Action Aid for Animals say he was cleared by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as fit to enter the UK.

But RSPCA officers visited the home of Jayne Jones, an Action Aid for Animals worker, in Newport on December 27 after she was only caring for Bobi for two hours to retrieve the dog to take him to the vets. The RSPCA were concerned with a deep open wound on one of his legs and took Bobi to Summerhill Veterinary Centre in Newport where it was deemed that Bobi should be put to sleep.

Concerns were raised about Bobi’s welfare by his first foster carer who looked after him on Christmas Eve in Gloucestershire but after 24 hours was unable to maintain the level of care Bobi required. Due to his condition the vets spoke to the police, who took him on veterinary advice and legally signed him over to the RSPCA’s care.

A campaign by Action Aid for Animals has led to more than 10,172 signatures on Change.org petitioning against the decision to euthanise Bobi. Bobi’s owners asked for a second opinion and he has now been seen by five independent vets, all of whom believe the kindest option is for him to be put to sleep.

He was taken yesterday to Langford Veterinary Services at Bristol University, who said there are long-term treatment options available as long as Bobi can be kept comfortable. Owners Michelle and Jayne Jones will be collecting Bobi today.

Action Aid for Animals said: “We cannot thank you all enough for your incredible support, one giant victory for a small dog.”

Newport RSPCA Centre has had to take down its Facebook page due to the amount of posts about Bobi, even though it hasn’t been involved in the case.