East Ham owner appeals for help in tracing breeding dog

Velma, closest to camera, has been missing for three weeks. To the left is Roxy. Picture: Nick Millar (Image: Archant)

Velma, a three-year-old cross breed Dachshund was rescued along with her daughter Roxy a few months ago in Croatia. Both were half starved and in poor health.

They were rescued by charity Action Aid for Animals which said they were locked away in a metal shed where the abusive owner would throw them into an adjoining shed where a pack of male dogs placed by the owner would be waiting for them.

A spokeswoman for the charity said:“These sweet natured loving dogs were used as breeding machines. Every time they were due in season they would be brutally thrown into the tin shed, raped by the male dogs and the injuries they had to endure were horrific.

“When they were transported to the United Kingdom to their new home, this should have been the start of an amazing life for them both. It was for a few months with their adopter Nick and his partner , they spoiled these two girls and made them feel like princesses, not breeding machines, not a commodity.

“The two dogs thrived and together they gained confidence, no longer cowering from men and strangers in fear of being beaten or grabbed and thrown into a pit of dogs to be raped. They had regular meals, lots of treats and tons of fuss.”

Velma went missing on September 6 while on a walk near Central Park East Ham.

The dogs’ owner, Nick Millar, from Rancliffe Road, East Ham, fears for her safety and her life.

He said: “The pair of them are so sweet. They are so timid- its heartbreaking to see how timid they are with dogs and people. They are frightened of children and loud noise.

“When they first came to me I bought them toys and they had no idea what to do with them.”

He is offering a reward for Velma’s safe return.

If you have seen the dog or know of its whereabouts, call Nick on 07957236596 or email info@actionaidforanimals.com www.actionaidforanimals.com.