A dog abandoned on a rooftop for a decade with nothing but scraps, rainwater and growing dreadlocks of matted fur has been rescued and given a second chance at life.
The animal, named Sonador or 'Dreamer', was found in Gustavo A. Madero borough in Mexico's capital Mexico City, where he had been tied up and left to rot on a bare rooftop on 24th May.
He was covered in dreadlock-like clumps of matted fur, riddled with ticks and so malnourished that rescuers said he barely resembled a dog.
Volunteers from the Seres Libres MX Foundation were alerted to his condition and said he had survived on occasional scraps and rainwater.
Picture shows the dog named the 'Dreamer' who was rescued after ten years of neglect from a house in Gustavo A. Madero borough in Mexico City. Dog abandonment in Mexico is a major social and ethical problem. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (@sereslibres_mx/Newsflash/NX)
One rescuer said: "Locals have been reporting the case for two years, and no one has helped him. He's an elderly dog, over 10 years old, and he's lived on that rooftop his entire life.
"We called him Dreamer, because we knew that for over 10 years, he had dreamed of one day coming down from his rooftop and experiencing the world and love."
The dog was believed to have been kept on the roof to deter burglars but was largely ignored for years by the household below.
Picture shows the dog named the 'Dreamer' who was rescued after ten years of neglect from a house in Gustavo A. Madero borough in Mexico City. Dog abandonment in Mexico is a major social and ethical problem. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (@sereslibres_mx/Newsflash/NX)
A volunteer added: "We don't know how he survived all these years in that condition, but we’re here to make sure he never suffers again."
It took hours to shave off five kilogrammes (11 lbs) of matted fur, and the dog was found to have deep skin infections underneath.
His condition is considered serious due to his advanced age and he also has a severe tooth infection and respiratory issues.
Picture shows the dog named the 'Dreamer' after grooming, undated. He was rescued after ten years of neglect from a house in Gustavo A. Madero borough in Mexico City. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (@sereslibres_mx/Newsflash/NX)
Dreamer is now in foster care and undergoing therapy, slowly learning how to play and trust humans again.
The former owner has not been named and no charges have been confirmed.
The case has sparked a fierce online backlash and calls for tighter enforcement of animal welfare laws in the city.
(MJ Leidig/newsX)