A BLIND Yorkshire terrier was found stumbling around Yeovil town centre after being abandoned by callous owners in the run-up to Christmas.
The dog, which has been named Noel, was found by residents in Coronation Avenue. They called the local dog warden and the sickly animal was taken to the nearby Delaware Veterinary Group.
Vet Richard Whittington found Noel's eyes so badly infected that hair had matter over them, sealing them shut and blinding the dog.
The terrier was also emaciated, weighing only three kilogrammes, his teeth were decayed and missing and his fur was painfully tangled.
The dog is responding to veterinary treatment but it is uncertain whether he will regain all his sight. Noel is being cared for in boarding kennels at Crewkerne where staff say that despite his ordeal is is friendly and happy.
The RSPCA is investigating the incident and says it won't hesitate to prosecute if it is established that the dog was deliberately abandoned and cruelly treated.
Said Yeovil RSPCA Inspector Guy Harrison: "This is a sickening case which one suspects may be someone's attempt to get rid of an unwanted dog in time for Christmas. One can only imagine how terrified Noel must have been, unable to see, starving hungry and cold."
Anyone with any information about the dog should contact the RSPCA on 0870 5555999.