THIS cute-looking Yorkshire terrier is living on borrowed time.

The 10-year-old was found by Swindon Council and taken to the dog pound near the Drove Road Veterinary Surgery.

Dog warden for Swindon Borough Council, Kay Giblett, said: "It's looking extremely likely that no-one is going to come along and claim the dog.

"It looks like a case that this dog has some problems and the owner or owners have abandoned him because of the rising cost of bills and looking after him."

"The only other thing it could be is that an elderly owner is aware their dog is missing but is unsure what to do about it."

"He does have trouble with his teeth, sight problems, and a flea allergy, but none of these problems are life-threatening, and he seems to be quite a bright chap."

The Yorkshire terrier is one of around 116 stray dogs picked up by Swindon Council since January 1 of this year. Of those, around 34 were collected by their owners almost immediately after being found and 59 had to be kept in kennels, although most were collected by their owners within the seven days.

The terrier is thought to have been found near the Mannington Roundabout in West Swindon.

Kay added: "It seems to be strange that some people are quite happy to accept the cost of maintaining their car, paying for insurance, parts and other bills but not their pets."

The dog is now the property of the council but cannot live at the pound for ever. He has already been given nine days extra, two days longer than normal in case someone should come forward.

In spite of being law, many dog owners are still not ensuring that their pets are wearing a collar or nametag with the owner's name and address.

The collar and tag is a legal requirement and there can be a £5,000 fine for not doing so.

To report a dog lost or found, call the council pound on Swindon 466139 during office hours.