AN ex-soldier and Willowgarth student has dedicated his time to rescuing dogs from southern Italy and giving them loving homes.
Tony Banks, 54, first rescued Lucky the German shepherd from Calabria two years ago while on holiday. Lucky had been beaten and left tethered on a mountain.
After feeding the dog and bathing its wounds in the sea, he took it to the vet for treatment and organised to bring it to England.
In order to raise the cash, Tony, who served in the 5 Airborne Brigade, sold his military medals and other items. Lucky now lives with a couple near Leeds.
What happened to Lucky struck a chord with Tony, who has since gone on to rescue 120 dogs through his charity Rescue Me Dogs. He also rescues dogs in England, but says there are lots of charities here to help.
He works with volunteers in Italy who look after the dogs, and Tony sends over money and donations to keep them fed and to pay for any treatment. He visits four times a year to make sure everything is in order.
Tony, formerly of Ryhill but now of Pontefract, said: “The locals in Italy got to know about me and contact me for help with animals. The animal welfare situation in southern Italy is dire, it’s beyond belief.
“We raise the money and pay for vet treatments and medication. An Italian woman with a large compound sends us a list of dogs which need homes or treatment and we raise money for the dog, and find homes in England. We also pay for the transport.”
Tony, who spent 20 years in the Army, said: “These dogs are the only things that make me cry. I’m quite a hard person and it takes a lot to make me cry as I’ve done so much in my army career.
“But what cuts me to the bone is when I see a rescue dog which is badly injured or dying of starvation. To see some of the dogs now is phenomenal.”
Tony has three rescue dogs, Bella, Cindy and Heidi and is heading back to Italy at the end of this month to take part in an anti-cruelty demonstration.
Anyone wishing to help or donate can contact rescuemedogs@sky.com
