Paula Blackwood, a 47-year-old woman from Salisbury, Wiltshire, is facing an active animal cruelty investigation after allegedly abandoning her American Akita dog, Carla, tied to a lamppost in 34°C to 35°C heat on the UK's hottest day of the year before boarding a flight to Egypt. The dog is now safe and receiving veterinary care under Wiltshire Council's Public Protection Service.
Abandonment on the Hottest Day
The day before the abandonment, Blackwood reportedly posted on social media begging for someone to take Carla 'immediately,' citing 'separation issues' that were causing her neighbours distress. Hours later, on one of the hottest days of the year, the dog was left chained to a lamppost outside a veterinary clinic. The petrified dog managed to slip out of her harness and run loose near surrounding roads. Worried passersby struggled to approach her but ultimately intervened to keep her safe.
Owner Flees to Egypt
While the dog was left in the scorching heat, Blackwood jetted off to Egypt for a holiday, according to reports from Where is the Buzz?. Yahoo News reported that Carla is now in the care of Wiltshire Council's Public Protection Service. She is being given the veterinary treatment she needs and is said to be out of danger. Wiltshire Council has confirmed the owner has been identified and an investigation is under way.
Legal Consequences
Blackwood is expected to face formal allegations linked to animal abandonment and cruelty when she returns to the UK from Egypt, where she is currently reported to be on holiday. At this stage, Blackwood has not been jailed, fined or banned from keeping animals because no court case has taken place yet. Under the Animal Welfare Act, the most serious animal cruelty offences can carry a prison sentence of up to five years if someone is convicted. Courts can also impose unlimited fines, and judges can issue bans on owning animals - including lifetime bans in serious cases - but only after conviction.
Dog's Recovery
Carla remains at a secure facility arranged by the council while she recovers. Her exact age has not been made public, but reports say Blackwood had been looking after her since early 2025 after getting her from a friend.
Summer Abandonment Surge
Pets are abandoned far more often in the summer, with dogs among the worst hit. The RSPCA says the warmer months are consistently its busiest and most critical time of year, as rescue teams deal with a surge in abandonment, neglect and cruelty reports across England and Wales.
