A FOUR year old tan and white lurcher was hurled out of a Land Rover outside of a Fenland animal sanctuary just days before Christmas,. The vehicle drew up to the Block Fen centre and pushed the dog out of the door before driving away. The dog s left fr

A FOUR year old tan and white lurcher was hurled out of a Land Rover outside of a Fenland animal sanctuary just days before Christmas,.

The vehicle drew up to the Block Fen centre and pushed the dog out of the door before driving away.

"The dog's left front leg was injured and, after a vet examined him and x-rays were taken, it was decided that the leg would have to be amputated," said RSPCA spokesman Sophie Wilkinson.

The centre is now appealing for a home for the dog, which they have renamed Robin, and who is making a good recovery.

"He will need a home without cats or small animals as it is thought he may have been used for coursing and may have had to hunt such animals," said Ms Wilkinson.

Jackie Williams, the centre's deputy manager, said: "Robin was terrified when we found him and it's lucky that our staff and inspectors managed to catch him, otherwise he could have wandered away and never been found. He has an amazing temperament and will make a great pet."

The centre also hopes to find a home for Frosty, a white Staffordshire bull terrier cross puppy who is totally deaf. He is only 12 to 14 weeks old.

Ms Williams said: "Frosty was found collapsed on a pavement on Boxing Day with a severely swollen throat and cuts to his body.

"He is being trained by the centre's veterinary nurse and is responding well, needing no more training than a hearing dog.

"It would be a bonus if his new owners have experience of hearing dogs, but not essential as deaf dogs learn in the same way as hearing ones and respond to commands - you just need to 'talk' a different language."

To find out about rehoming Robin or Frostie or another animal from Block Fen please call 0300 123 0726.

FACT FILE

RSPCA figures show that animal abandonments in Cambridgeshire fell from 27 between December 24 2006 and January 6 2007 to 15 in the same period this year. However, animal centres often see an increase in the numbers of unwanted animals brought to them in early spring, possibly when owners who have taken on new animals at Christmas tire of their new pet.