Terrified dogs found abandoned at lighthouse

Two dogs were found "wet through to the skin and freezing" after being abandoned at a remote lighthouse.

The "terrier-type" dogs, thought to be about two years old, were discovered at Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire, at about midnight on 25 January, the RSPCA said.

They were rescued by the charity and are now at the West Norfolk rehoming centre near King's Lynn, just over the border in Norfolk.

The RSPCA's John Woods said: "The dogs were extremely nervous and frightened when they were found, and it was clear they had been left to fend for themselves in a very exposed location."

The young dogs were found after visitors staying at the coastal holiday home saw that the security lights had been triggered.

After a two-day rescue mission, the RSPCA took the dogs, nicknamed Peter and Scott after the lighthouse, to King's Lynn for treatment.

Peter, the longer-haired black dog, had a slight leg injury when found but it has now healed and he is looking for a home.

Scott has a home lined up, the rehoming centre said.

Both dogs were microchipped but the number linked to the chips was no longer in service.

The RSPCA is appealing for information as it investigates how the dogs came to be abandoned at the lighthouse. There was no CCTV where they were left.

Emily Cole, manager at the rehoming centre, said: "Both of them are learning they are safe now, so they will need a continued routine in their new home to feel stable and know they are loved.

"They're only young and have some basic commands to learn, but they're both incredibly sweet and they'll make wonderful companions for their new owners."

Woods said: "They were freezing cold and wet through to the skin, and both were very hungry.

"Given how remote the lighthouse is, this was a worrying situation.

"Overnight temperatures had dropped and without intervention their welfare could have deteriorated quickly."

The centre described them as "a little shy at first" but they are "both very friendly and love cuddles". They would be best as the only dogs in their new homes.

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