CALLS have been coming in thick and fast to the RSPCA following The Press's appeal for information on Storm the puppy.

Storm was left fighting for her life when she was stabbed repeatedly in one of the worst animal cruelty cases York has ever seen.

Now, readers have been invited to help pay for Storm's care and accommodation as she gets on the road to recovery.

The RSPCA appealed through The Press for help in tracking down the evil attacker who left the eight-month-old German Shepherd for dead and our readers responded in their droves.

RSPCA inspector Hannah Bryer said: "We have had a lot of response from Press readers and the public in general who have read the article or heard about Storm.

"It's been a great help and has kept our call centre staff very busy. I think the pictures of Storm have jogged people's memories.

"It's a terrible case and fortunately we don't get too many like this, but when we do get bad cases in the main they really are bad in the extreme."

The Press carried on yesterday's front page the story of how Storm was found bleeding and in desperate need of treatment in a garden in Chapelfields Road, Acomb, York, after a sickening attack, on Sunday night.

She was taken to the Minster Veterinary Practice, where she was treated by vet Peter Crossan.

He said: "I was appalled at what I saw, which were four really deep stab wounds.

"The dog was covered in blood and her blanket soaked with blood.

"One of the wounds was to her chest and I could see all her ribs and muscles.

"She is very lucky to be alive and had it been 20 minutes later, I don't think she would have made it."

Mr Crossan and practice nurse Kate Harrington rapidly gave Storm fluids to counter the large amount of blood she had lost and then Storm received 50 stitches under anaesthetic, one of which was into the back of her neck.

But he said Storm was making a good recovery.

He said:"The wounds look to be healing brilliantly."

The RSPCA is paying for Storm's upkeep and if any readers want to make a donation, they should phone the charity's hotline on 0870 55 55 999.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to phone the same number.


Readers' reaction...

THE Press website has been flooded with reader comments about Storm.

Billy, from York, said: "I would happily contribute £10 towards a reward which resulted in a successful prosecution of the lowlife involved. If a lot of other angry people did the same, the cretin would soon be in court."

Pipkins, from York, said: "Let's just hope this puppy makes an excellent recovery and is given lots of love and attention, and goes to a loving home to live out the rest of her life. A question which I still ask myself - are people born evil?

Judgement Day, from York, said: "I am sick to the back teeth of people mistreating animals. This one has really topped the list... How could they do such a thing? Would they like it if someone came up and did the same cruel, sickening things to them and left them for dead? I own a dog and think the world of him. People who are liable to do this should be screened before having a dog."

Sr, from York, said: "I am not a dog lover, but this is appalling. Whoever knows who did it should get on the phone now and turn them in."