Campaign to save the Laois 'lap hound'

A CAMPAIGN is underway to rescue a dog that has been dubbed the 'Laois Lap Hound' by an animal welfare group.

The stray has been doing ‘laps of Laois’ for months, particularly in the Durrow area and has evaded all efforts to bring him to safety.

While he appears to be in good condition, the dog (pictured above) has suffered a number of near misses in traffic and there are fears that his luck will run out. He is very nervous, has no collar and runs away when anyone tries to catch him. 

The earliest sightings date back to last November and he has been spotted numerous times on roads around Durrow this month.

Now the Laois Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LSPCA) has set up a dedicated WhatsApp group, in a bid to rescue the speedy runaway. A volunteer with a humane trap is on standby and will respond to reported sightings.

In a social media appeal on 16 February, the LSPCA said: ‘We need your help … Have you seen this dog? He has been doing laps of county Laois for months. Let's pull together and get him to safety.

‘If you want to be included in a WhatsApp group to try to bring him home, please text your name and 'Laois Lap Hound' to Finn on 086 3898691. She has a humane trap ready to assist in bringing the dog to safety.’ 

The LSPCA asked people not to try to catch the dog, approach him or drive too close behind him. Instead, they should report any sightings to the WhatsApp number or to 086 4169559.