A FYLDE animal lover has condemned cruel dog-owners, whom she believes used a Jack Russell for badger baiting before abandoning it.

Mandy Leigh, of Easterleigh animal sanctuary in St Annes, who are now caring for the distressed dog, said she is disgusted that anyone could abuse an animal in such a way and is calling for kind-hearted Blackpool folk to come forward and offer Monty the Jack Russell a new, caring home.

Mandy said: "He was found in the Chorley area and received veterinary treatment before coming here. If I had not taken him he would have had to have been put to sleep because they didn't have the facilities."

She believes Monty was used for badger-baiting. "It's just disgusting -- it's pure cruelty. He's got a broken nose and his teeth have been knocked out. He was probably chucked out because he can't do his job any more.

"First of all the vets thought it was dog fighting, but he is fine around dogs. It must be badger baiting, because a badger has the same bite as a dog.

"I can't be angry with the badgers because they have got to defend themselves. It's instinct for Jack Russells to go down after rabbits and things like that and they are trained to use that.

"I would really love to catch these people. Not only does the badger suffer but the dog does as well. They class it as a sport."

She said that cases of dogs used for badger-baiting, foxing and dog fighting are rare in the Blackpool area but are more common in rural areas."

Happily, Monty is in much better shape now than when he was found. He has finished a course of antibiotics and eats well. Mandy is now seeking a home for him.

"A quiet home, preferably with no other animals," she explained. "I think he would be all right with another dog, but I don't know what he would be like with a cat."

If you can offer Monty, or any of the sanctuary's other animals a home, phone Easterleigh on 789185 to make an appointment. The sanctuary is closed to general visits due to foot and mouth restrictions.