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Fans of an allegedly mistreated St Bernard called Jack that had previously been used for begging on the streets of Edinburgh have been celebrating recently, after the gentle giant was taken by gardaí in Dublin.



A Facebook page called "Save Jack the St Bernard" was set up by concerned animal lovers, after the dog was seen in a dirty and apparently drugged state on the streets of Edinburgh sitting next to a busker who plays the accordion. The dog was then moved to London, where it was spotted in a similar condition, before recently appearing in Dublin.



On 9 October, the page admins posted an overjoyed update, saying that Jack is safe and had been taken from a busker in Dublin.

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A charity called the St Bernard Trust have confirmed to Edinburgh Live that they are supporting Jack and paying his vet bills, saying: "we always said if anyone rescued Jack we would fund his care. We were contacted after someone let the rescuers know this.

"Although we do not have any idea where he is being kept for his own safety, the vet was given our contact details, and we have just paid a second vet bill for him. He is happy, and much livelier now he is not being drugged up."

The charity claim that Jack tested positive for benzodiazepines, a common tranquilizer. Campaigners had previously said that they believed the dog was drugged because it didn't react when people approached it.

They also complained that Jack and other busker dogs were not provided with water despite spending several hours at a time sitting outside on busy city streets.



One concerned animal lover went one step further and started a Change.org petition titled: "STOP THE USE & ABUSE OF BUSKER DOGS IN STREETS", which also featured a picture of Jack.

Over 11,000 people have signed the petition since it was launched. The petition writer Jim Loog claimed that the owners of these 'busker dogs' "beat them, kick them, drug them and keep them over night in tiny cramped cages in the back of vans."

(Image: Facebook: Save Jack the St Bernard)

After Jack was apparently confiscated by police in Dublin, the St Bernard Trust said:



"Jack is now safe and has a wonderful new home environment with other doggy friends. He has been to the vets and has had treatment for ear infections, been wormed, flea'd, bloods done, organs checked etc.



"St Bernard Trust will continue to fund Jacks on going vet care. We are sure you will all be happy to see Jack enjoying life, running on grass, living in a family home, no more laying on concrete sedated. Jack is happy and eating well, enjoying fuss. Onwards and upwards Jack, from all at St Bernard Trust and all who have helped you to a better life."



If you want to donate to the St Bernard Trust and help them to continue to fund Jack's care, click here.

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