Drifter the dog, who caused a social media stir when he ran loose around Wisbech for four weeks before being trapped by rescuers, is making sure he becomes infamous around the Fens - by breaking free from his high security galvanised steel kennel.
The dog is back on the loose after he ripped up a steel wire panel and created a tiny five inch hole which he then squeezed through some time last night (Monday).
The saluki, who has been in foster care for six nights, has been feeding well and taking small walks on three leads to make sure he doesn’t break free.
But he is now back to running a loop of up to the Hudson Leisure Centre and Wisbech Grammar School area, then across to Leverington and Wisbech St Mary.
“We’re devastated and upset, not only that he has broken free but to think he was terrified to have the adrenalin of fear to be strong enough to pull up a steel panel to escape,” said Shelley Ridgeon of Ravenswood Pet Rescue.
The kennel he was in for six nights before tearing his way out, is about eight foot by ten foot with clear panels through which he could see out.
It had a concrete base with galvanised steel roof and side panels.
She said: “He has bent the metal at the bottom by literally pulling it up. I’ve never seen anything like it.
“It’s our high security foster kennel, I can’t believe he is out again, we are just devastated and also worried in case he has injured himself getting out through such a small hole.
“He was learning to trust his carer, he was walking lovely on the lead, he was doing so well, but he obviously doesn’t like being trapped.
“The only time he has shown fear was when a white transit van pulled up to the foster location and he was terrified, other than that he has been very calm with people and showed no signs of distress being in the kennel.”
Rescuers are now faced with the prospect of trying to catch the saluki once again but admitted they were concerned for the dog’s future as it was difficult to know the best location to re-home him once they retrieved him again.
“We may have to look at specialist lurcher dog type rescue charities that can work with his fear and help him. It is such an upsetting situation to be in,” Mrs Ridgeon said.
Members of the public are being asked to not feed Drifter or try to catch him as rescuers are meeting today to discuss strategy plans for catching him and keeping him secure.
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