MALACCA, Wed. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and a concerned citizen went to the rescue of a maggot-infested dog belonging to a woman in Tengkera yesterday.

The dog, which is believed to have been tied and caged for a year in the compound of a single-storey terrace house in Jalan Lorong Pandan, had several gaping wounds on its body.

"It was in a very bad condition and would have died in a few days," said Vincent Low, SPCA Malacca branch chairman, who visited the house in the afternoon after a tip-off from animal lover Paul Jesudasan.

"Fortunately, I managed to persuade the owner to surrender the dog to us," said Low, adding the association did not have the authority to confiscate mistreated animals.

The dog, believed to be a mixed breed and under three years old, was treated with antibiotics and is in the care of association veterinarian A. Jayaseelan, who told the New Straits Times today that "it is eating well and this is a good sign".

Low described the case as one of ignorance. "The owner said she had kept the dog tied because neighbours told her that dogs within house compounds needed to be leashed."

The woman also claimed that the dog’s wounds were the result of being bitten by a baboon.

Three adult and one baby baboons were also found in cages in the premises.

"We will be contacting the wildlife authorities to deal with this situation as it is beyond our jurisdiction," said Low, who also saw a caged Rottweiler "which was well kept".

Low said the association would not be recommending prosecution of the owner as "we do not have enough evidence and this is one of hundreds of cases of ignorance".