The 'vile' dog owner who 'tied her petrified American Akita to a lamppost on the hottest day of the year... then jetted off on Egypt holiday'

By JAMES FIELDING, SENIOR REPORTER Published: 07:29, 30 June 2026 | Updated: 07:37, 30 June 2026 This is the 'vile' dog owner facing an animal cruelty probe after she allegedly tied her Japanese Akita to a lamppost and abandoned it on the hottest day of the year - then jetted off on holiday to Egypt.  Wardens raised the alarm after the distressed dog was discovered running around an industrial estate having been tied to the lamppost outside PetPractice vets in Salisbury, Wiltshire, on Wednesday, as temperatures soared to almost 35C.  The 'petrified' American Akita called Carla escaped from its harness before running close to nearby roads and was eventually rescued and taken away for treatment.  Now the Daily Mail can reveal the Akita's owner is 47-year-old Paula Blackwood, who left for a sunshine break to Egypt shortly after trying to give away her pet.  The day before Carla was found, Ms Blackwood was on social media begging someone to take Carla off her hands 'immediately'. She posted on Facebook that Carla was free to a 'good home' because its separation anxiety was causing distress to neighbours.  She wrote: 'Japanese Akita to give to good home today. Really good temperament, so loving. I can't keep her as she has separation issues when I'm out, causing neighbours distress.'  Hours later, she returned to Facebook to ask: 'Anyone know who takes dog immediately?' Paula Blackwood, 47, is facing an animal cruelty probe after she allegedly tied her Japanese Akita to a lamppost and abandoned it on the hottest day of the year The 'petrified' American Akita named Carla escaped from its harness before running close to nearby roads and was eventually rescued and taken away for treatment It is believed the dog, which was microchipped with incorrect details, managed to slip out of her harness before running loose near surrounding roads as members of the public struggled to approach her Wiltshire Council's Public Protection Service said the dog may have been 'intentionally abandoned' this after being tied to a lamp post (pictured) In a separate online group, Ms Blackwood also made enquiries about transfers to Bournemouth Airport.  Neighbours later told the Daily Mail that she had subsequently gone on holiday.  When she returns Ms Blackwood now faces the prospect of an animal welfare investigation over claims the female Akita was deliberately abandoned.  Wiltshire Council's Public Protection Service said in a statement on June 24: 'This dog may have been intentionally abandoned this morning after being tied to a lamp post on one of the hottest days of the year.  'We are aware who the likely owner of this dog is and we are currently investigating the matter.'  It is believed the dog, which was microchipped with incorrect details, managed to slip out of her harness before running loose near surrounding roads as members of the public struggled to approach her.  One eyewitness said the Akita was 'petrified', making it difficult for rescuers to get close.  In a subsequent update, the council said it had identified the dog's owner. The council added: 'We're pleased to confirm that the dog is receiving the care and treatment she needs and will remain safely in our care.'  Ms Blackwood has been looking after Carla since the beginning of last year after being given the dog by a friend. The day before Carla was found, Ms Blackwood was on social media begging someone to take Carla off her hands 'immediately' She wrote: 'Japanese Akita to give to good home today. Really good temperament, so loving. I can't keep her as she has separation issues when I'm out causing neighbours distress' In an earlier post, Ms Blackwood reiterated that the dog had separation anxiety in response to a local complaining that the 'poor dog is howling again' A source said that she initially took good care of the animal – but in recent months had shown less interest in her. Ms Blackwood, a mother-of-four who lives in a social housing maisonette, had previously faced criticism as a dog owner. When contacted by the Mail she declined to comment. In May, a neighbour posted online: 'That poor dog is howling again!'  Ms Blackwood replied: 'She has separation anxiety.  'I'm home now. Do you hear her? No, thought not. I appreciate your concern but I do have to work.'  The discovery of the Akita prompted fury among residents, with witnesses describing how members of the public spent much of the morning trying to catch her.  One eyewitness said: 'She was initially tied to a lamppost but had slipped out of her harness.  'I found the harness and lead tied around the lamppost but the dog was loose when one of our lovely nurses pulled into work before 8.30am this morning.  'Myself and this lady's lovely daughter spent the best part of the morning catching her.'  Another described the dog's owner as 'vile', adding: 'What kind of a person does that? There are no excuses for this cruelty.'  Another added: 'Can't stop thinking about this poor dog. No conscience at all hope justice prevails,' while an Akita breeder posted: 'No dog deserves what this dog went through.'  Ms Blackwood is believed to have left for a sunshine break to Egypt shortly after trying to give away her pet Wiltshire Council said the Akita will 'remain safely in our care' as its investigation continues The discovery of the Akita prompted fury among residents, with witnesses describing how members of the public spent much of the morning trying to catch her A fourth wrote: 'Disgusting leaving that poor defenceless dog tied to a lamppost just so you could go on holiday.'  Wiltshire Council said the Akita will 'remain safely in our care' as it investigation continues.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the council's dog warden service, quoting reference 608638. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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