We took a dog in three weeks ago. It was a mess. I'm not sure if it had been chained up. It had a really bad skin infection and gashes/skin infection to his right cheek. He jumped up at me gently whilst I was at the post box. I tried to keep him out but he was yelping after me when I tried to turn my back on him. Apparently neighbours had heard him barking a few days before. One phoned the local police to be told there's nothing we can do. I took him to a vet. He was put on antibiotics and a steroid. He wasn't chipped. The vet asked if I wanted to keep him and I said"yes." He is to be tested for Leishmania disease (a blood test) and I asked if he could be chipped to which she agreed as his sores were improving. This dog turned out to be a puppy of about 10 months old. He was skeletal.
My question is, am I allowed legally to keep this dog? I am reluctant to advertise because of the emaciated state of this dog. What if someone approaches me claiming he is the owner?
Any help or comments appreciated. Thank you.