November 25, 2013 4.47 pm This story is over 124 months old

Dog found in critical condition after hare coursing reports

Fingers crossed for Flo: RSPCA are nursing a one year old lurcher found in Lincoln in a critical condition after reports of hare coursing near Lincoln.
Flo the lurcher was found on a river bank in North Hykeham amid reports of hare coursing.

The RSPCA in Lincoln are appealing for information after a dog was found close to death on a river bank in North Hykeham on Sunday, November 24.

The incident took place between 3pm and 4:30pm and has raised concerns in line with police reports of hare coursing at the same time and location that day.

The one-year-old back female lurcher was found on Meadow Lane, North Hykeham, by concerned members of the public who claim to have seen three men acting suspiciously in the area.

One man was seen throwing what looked like a bag into the river. After witnessing this, local dog walkers managed to rescue the animal after she was found collapsed on the river bank.

Flo the lurcher.

Flo the lurcher.

Flo, as she has since been named, is in a very poorly condition and has a trauma-type injury to her vertebrae leaving her partially paralysed – which RSPCA say could have been as a result of being hit or kicked.

An X-ray was carried out on Monday and showed damage to the seventh cervical vertebra, which is tilted upwards and not in line with the others.

The local RSPCA has been told that treatment could cost in the region of £5,000 and they are now trying to raise the funds to help Flo – although at this stage her prognosis is still very poor.

Charlotte Childs, RSPCA Lincolnshire Mid and Lincoln branch administrator, said: “When I arrived to the location Flo was just in a collapsed state on the bank – she didn’t even look like a dog.

“We rushed her to a vet for emergency treatment but she is in a very poor state – it’s tragic that this has happened to her.

“We would appeal to anyone who may have any information regarding this to either call our RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 or the police.”

The three men are described as in their late 20s and early 30s and were seen in the area earlier in the day with another lurcher which was tan and brindle in colour.

Lincolnshire Police received reports of two men hare coursing in the area. Incident 247, made at 15:28pm on November 24, concerned reports of the illegal gaming action on Meadow Close.

Police say the report was one of many the same day across the wider Lincoln area.

Hare coursing was made illegal under the Gaming or Hunting Acts. Anyone wishing to report incidents of hare coursing offences should contact Wildlife Officer PC Nick Willey on 01522 731897.

Anyone wishing to help donate towards Flo’s vet fees is urged to text 70070 with the four letter two digit code LURC01 and the amount you would like to donate. Or you can click on the Just Giving button on the branch website, or donate via  Just Giving

The branch are updating Flo’s progress on their Facebook page.