The male dog was found starved and with sepsis in one leg on Friday, January 2; he is now receiving veterinary treatment and care
The male lurcher was found in Boosbeck on January 2(Image: Maxi’s Mates)
A ‘lovely’ lurcher found in a severely starved state in East Cleveland is among the scores of dogs found as strays over the past 12 months. The little dog, thought to be aged about three, ran out in front of a car in Boosbeck on Friday, January 2.
Covered in scars, he was suffering with sepsis in one leg and is now being nursed back to health with ongoing veterinary care. The sad discovery comes as the founder of dog shelter Maxi’s Mates told of a “worrying rise” in dogs being abandoned over the past few weeks.
Jane Galliford said she believes the lurcher may have been used as a hunting dog until he was no longer wanted or needed. “It’s just the type of people who don’t have a thought that these dogs are living creatures and should be loved,” she said.
Throughout 2025, a total of 345 dogs arrived at the charity. While 68 strays were successfully reunited with their families, many owners failed to reclaim their pets.
Jane said the lurcher is now receiving veterinary treatment and the hope is he can be nursed back to health and eventually find a loving home. “That dog is in a shocking state,” she said.
“He’s obviously been used for working because he has scars all over him. He’s got sepsis in his leg at the moment and can’t put it down.
“It’s a really bad infection so he has obviously not been looked after and he’s only three. He’s been seen by a vet and is on medication for now and is returning on Monday.
“He’s on bed rest at the moment. He’s such a lovely dog as well.
“We’re hoping he’s now safe with us and we can get a lovely home lined up for him.”
The dog’s bones are protruding and he has also suffered an injury to his leg(Image: Maxi’s Mates)
Of the dogs rescued by Maxi’s Mates in 2025, 172 were strays and 68 were successfully reunited with their families. Jane said sadly, this number is much lower than in previous years, with many owners failing to reclaim their dogs.
“People are abandoning dogs without any thought at the moment, kicking them out because they can’t cope with them anymore,” she said. “A lot of these dogs live outside in pens, I don’t think they even have heat in the kennels.
“It’s the overall lack of concern from some people abandoning dogs out in this weather. We had another one a few weeks ago where they had left her behind because she was no good and couldn’t run after them.
“She was left abandoned for a day or two until someone actually managed to catch her and bring her to us. It’s just the type of people who don’t have a thought that these dogs are living creatures and should be loved.”
A “concerning development” was the discovery of some owners pretending their own dogs were strays, said Jane. “Going so far as actually handing them in claiming they didn’t know the dog and some even asking for the warden or us to go to the address where the dog lived,” she said.
“This was also the year we have had to see 14 dogs that came in as strays and a week later the warden had to take the dog to the vets to be euthanised. Banned breeds, pitbulls and XL bullies abandoned by those that supposed to love and care for them.
“Left to their fate as it’s against the law to rehome them. No one can save them except their owner and to not take responsibility shocked and sickened us.
“This was the duty of the owner and to be so badly let down by them is something we just can’t understand. How anyone can lack compassion when they know their lives depend on that owner and throw them out is beyond our comprehension.”
He is now receiving care and it is hoped a loving home can be found for him(Image: Maxi’s Mates)
On a happier note, Maxi’s Mates successfully found new homes for more than 200, including unclaimed strays. But 52 dogs still remain in the kennels at in Dunsdale, near Guisborough.
“These dogs will continue to receive our care and support until they too can find their forever homes,” said Jane. “We also continue to look after a number of strays from previous years who have been overlooked or require experienced owners due to specific needs.
“Alongside those in kennels, we have a record number of dogs waiting at home while we help them find suitable matches with new owners.” Jane thanked those who continue to support the charity which told in October how it was “overwhelmed” and running at a deficit of £5,000 every month.
“Our trustees, committee members, staff, and dedicated volunteers—whether walking dogs or performing home checks—all work tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing of every dog in our care,” said Jane.
He is covered in scars and it is believed he was used as a hunting dog(Image: Maxi’s Mates)
“We are deeply grateful for the continued support from our community. Your generosity and willingness to help whenever we ask is truly heart-warming and it is thanks to you that we can continue our vital work.
“Let us hope the coming year brings safety and peace to all and most importantly homes for those that have been waiting so long for that chance.” To support the charity visit the Facebook page HERE.
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