THE founder of a pet rescue, who is also a church minister, said she would rather risk being arrested or accused of theft than give up three dogs who have come into in her care.

Pugs Minnie and Pugsley and Staffordshire bull terrier Toxie were brought to the Rev Marjorie Summerfield at the Pet Rescue Welfare Association in Dyserth last Wednesday. 

Marjorie described the animals as being in a “dreadful” condition.

The bull terrier was deemed underweight; the black pug, aged 11 months old, needed treatment for an eye condition while the fawn pug was “crawling with live fleas”.

The dogs came to Marjorie after being removed by neighbours from a house on Ffordd Parc Bodnant in Prestatyn. 

Marjorie said: “A neighbour banged down the door and then pitched up and and brought them to me. I have spoken to the RSPCA.

“It angers me and saddens me that these dogs were living in conditions that have left them in this state. 

“We opened a food bank for pets last year so no pets go without food. 

“I know spring and summer can be a problem with fleas, but you don’t
leave dogs when they are crawling with fleas without treatment. 

“Over the years, we have taken in dogs in very bad condition. 

“The ‘staffie’ is underweight. She is on small meals four times a day and there is the appearance she may have had a litter. 

“She has a ulcerated lesion on her upper lip, a chronic skin condition, which may have been caused by fleas, or a more serious skin condition. 

“The small black pug needed treatment as his eyes have a discharge so he is receiving treatment by antibiotic drops.

“There is evidence of a corneal problem and there are also skin lesions along his back, possibly due to fleas. We are treating this. 

“The fawn pug is very timid but non-aggressive. She is crawling with live fleas and full of flea dirt. We have treated her and she is a lot more comfortable. 

“All three dogs are micro-chipped but none of those chips are registered to an owner.”

Marjorie, who has been running the Pet Rescue Welfare for 17 years, said returning the dogs would go against everything she stands for. 

Marjorie says that since coming into her care, the dogs are already looking healthier. 

She added: “Morally, I won’t give them back to any owner who puts the welfare of pets at risk. 

“How can you leave a property with dogs locked in? I have a log from several neighbours of the number of times they called the RSPCA.

“Hopefully with food, vet treatment and dedication from our staff and volunteers there is every chance of a full recovery. 

“I run the risk of being arrested and being accused of theft but that’s a risk I am willing to take. 

“I have asked the owner to sign the dogs over but they have refused.”
Last Wednesday, concerns were raised by neighbours about the welfare of four dogs who had been left “alone” at the Clwyd Alyn Housing Association-owned property.

RSPCA officers attended and one dog was removed for clinical assessment and taken into the care of the animal welfare charity. The other dogs were left in the property.

Clwyd Alyn confirmed the resident had vacated the house at Ffordd Parc Bodnant. 

A member of the public told the Journal that the alarm was raised amid concern that no one had been seen at the property “for days”. 

Clwyd Alyn and the RSPCA said they would not be able to comment on any claims or allegations due to legal and data protection reasons.

A spokesman for RSPCA Cymru said: “We can confirm that a dog was signed over into our care on Wednesday (May 9) in Prestatyn. The dog has been checked over by a vet and remains in RSPCA care.

“We continue to monitor the situation and cannot comment further for legal reasons. “

Ed Hughes, head of resident services for Clwyd Alyn said: “We can confirm that the former resident at Ffordd Parc Bodnant has vacated the house and arrangements are under way to ensure the property is cleared ahead of any new tenancy being arranged.

“We would always urge neighbours to get in touch if they have concerns concerning the welfare any person, or animals residing at our properties so that we can investigate and take any necessary action.”