A POORLY pooch who struggles to move needs a hip replacement which will cost thousands of pounds.

Monty, a giant schnauzer, is currently living at Acres Way Kennels, in Great Burches Road, Benfleet. His previous owners handing him over to the rescue centre when their marriage broke down.

Despite being just three-years-old, he has some serious health issues. He needs a total hip replacement so he can run around without being in agony.

Selina Byrne, a volunteer fundraiser for Acres Way, is trying to raise money for the operation.

She said: “Monty unfortunately came into us as a sign over from a marriage breakdown.

“We later discovered a problem with the way he was moving and he has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia.

“This poor boy has very bad hips and after numerous vet visits, reports, medications it has been advised that the best thing for Monty is to have a total hip replacement to help him become pain free.

“This type of surgery can only be performed by referral vet centres so the cost for such a specialised surgery is extremely high.”

The charity has set up a JustGiving page to crowdfund for the operation.

Ms Byrne added: “We have to raise £4,500 and unfortunately, being a small independent rescue centre, we certainly don’t have the money in the bank, so this is where we need everyone’s help.”

It is hoped that the operation will give Monty a lot more freedom and take away his daily pain.

Ms Byrne added: “We are already seeing muscle wastage in Monty’s back legs where he is unable to exercise like he should at his age.

“We are asking people to donate whatever they can, every little helps, and we will keep everyone updated with Monty’s progress along the way.”

Acres Way Kennels has been caring for dogs for over 20 years and look after both boarders and strays.

Debbie Dyer, a supervisor at the kennels, said that Monty is a well natured, loveable pooch.

She said: “Hopefully he will just need the one hip replacement but there is a possibility he will need both.

“He is such a lovely dog, very playful – he’s perfect really.

“The previous owners had to give him up because their marriage ended and one couldn’t take him.

“He is in discomfort but doesn’t need painkillers yet, but it will only get worse if he doesn’t have the operation.

“He moves around and plays with the ball, he has a really good nature.

“He is a lovely sweet dog but unfortunately we get a lot of dogs signed over to us when people move because their landlords don’t allow pets.

“I have been in that position myself and it is awful.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/acreswayrehomingkennels