Shock and sadness as abandoned dog with huge tumour found in Lisburn is put to sleep

The abandoned dog was found with a large tumour.

An “abandoned” Lisburn dog weighed down by a huge tumour has caused shock in the community.

The pet was discovered on a public street by a distressed local woman who contacted Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) wardens, who then took immediate action.

Unfortunately, following a vet’s examination the dog was ethuanised to end its suffering.

Concerned resident Shannon McNally said:

“I woke up to the little dog out the front yelping and could barely walk with a huge tumour and overgrown nails. I rang the council dog warden.

“She left with the wardens. A lovely man and woman and she got lots of treats. I told them to give her loads of love and cuddles and treats before she goes.

“Whoever owned her should hang their head in shame. She’s now heading over the rainbow bridge. At  least I got to show her love in her final hour.”

The dog’s clearly visible poor condition has lead to an outcry on social media.

One person wrote:

“Absolutely horrendous, how can anyone do this, poor wee soul?”

Another typed:

“Bring tears to a stone. So glad you got her help.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) contacted LCCC for comment.

A Council spokesperson said:

“Our dog wardens collected a dog found abandoned in front of a Lisburn property on Tuesday 29th July.

“The elderly dog presented with a very large tumour and overgrown claws. We took it to the vet for review.  The dog’s owner contacted us and consented to the dog being euthanised to end its suffering.”

The LDRS understands that the welfare of a second dog has also been reported to the LCCC wardens.

Lisburn North independent rep, Gary Hynds has been a key advocate for abandoned dogs in the district.

The councillor has been closely involved in the welfare campaign for Dundonald stray, ‘Max’ who has been held at kennels by LCCC since he was seized in December 2024 amid suspicions he is a banned breed.

A court case on the dog’s future is to be heard later this year.

The LDRS contacted the Lagan Valley elected member who highlighted his concerns over Stormont funding and encouraged local people to speak out when pets are unduly suffering.

He said:

”Seeing the pictures of that poor dog was absolutely shocking and heartbreaking.

“I want to praise Shannon who found her and took quick action by bringing the situation to the attention of the council.

“This is a tragic reminder of how important the subject of animal welfare really is, an area pretty poorly funded though, and that indeed had a cut in funding from Stormont just last year.

“As individuals we can all certainly help do our part though, like Shannon did, by reporting any instances of suspected animal suffering or neglect.”