Basildon PC's puppy love

The abandoned Yorkie was found close to death on the streets of Wickford, possibly after she was dumped by her owners.

Suffering from sarcoptic mange, vets warned Basildon police the ten-week-old pooch would struggle to survive.

She pulled through - and PC Belinda Chapman was so taken by the plucky pup she now wants to give her a new home.

Brave Binnie will be in good company - Belinda already owns seven dogs. Belinda, 45, of Basildon, said: "She just wants to be cuddled all the time.

"Considering she has probably not been well treated she is very friendly. My hobby is training dogs and I've always owned them, so Binnie will feel at home.

"The police policy is that dogs left have to be kept for seven days and then they can be adopted. I'm keeping my fingers crossed."

Binnie was picked up in Broom Hall Park on Monday night. She was suffering from mange and a flea infestation which had left her virtually bald.

Vets warned policed that treating Binnie with a powerful toxin to kill the mites could also kill her. But she pulled through and is well on the road to recovery.

Belinda said: "She was bathed in a very toxic substance. With a puppy that age the treatment can be dangerous. Tuesday night was the crucial time.

"It could have been rectified if she had been taken to the vet earlier."

Now police are eager to track down Binnie's original owners. Sgt Basil Thornton, of Basildon police, said: "We want to talk to the owners to find out the circumstances of the dog's position.

"It's unfair to make assumptions about whether the dog has been mistreated because it could have gone missing or have been owned by an elderly person."

Anyone with information should contact Basildon police on 01268 532212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Love at first sight - PC Belinda Chapman is determined to give Binnie a good home

Picture: ANDY PALMER

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