SHOCKING cases of cruelty to dogs have left a Horwich rescue service in desperate need of foster homes.

Pat Graham, who runs the Lexus Dog Rescue Service, has slammed the notion that Britain is a nation of animal lovers since being inundated by cruelty cases that have shocked and horrified her.

These include a mongrel collapsed in the gutter from exhaustion, starving to death and with virtually no hair on his body, and another dog so starved it had started to eat itself.

Pat said: "Dogs are no longer just being abandoned, most of them rescued are beaten, starved and even tortured."

The mongrel found in the gutter was discovered by an off-duty policeman.

Pat said: "This dog has been badly treated over a long period of time and it is shocking that nobody had taken action about him before."

Pat works from a small cottage in Horwich, which is already home to six abandoned greyhounds and a cocker spaniel. However, there is still a long waiting list of abused dogs that need urgent help.

She said: "I am just waiting to bring in another poor dog that was so starved it had begun to eat itself, but I haven't the room. I desperately need caring foster homes prepared to take in adult dogs who need love and understanding."

Anyone able to help Pat can contact her on 668589.

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