The RSPCA has launched an appeal for information after a starving dog covered in sores was abandoned and tied to a tree in the woods.
The poorly dog, who has now been named Murphy by rescuers, was spotted at around 7am on Saturday, April 3 in Hurst Wood in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester.
It's suspected the one-year-old American bulldog cross was kept squashed in a small cage for most of his life.
Murphy was found 10kg under the weight he should be, and the animal welfare team hope to stabilise his weight and health before rehoming him with a forever family.
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RSPCA Inspector Jess Araujo, who is investigating the case, said: "A member of the public spotted Murphy tied to a tree. They realised what an awful condition he was in and kindly rushed him to a vet.
"It’s heartbreaking that there are irresponsible people who simply dump animals when they are no longer wanted.
"He is severely emaciated and with pressure sores on his hips and ankles, and a rash all over his body. He is so thin that his spine and ribs are visible.
"Whoever was supposed to be caring for Murphy failed him. They neglected him and starved him before abandoning him and simply walking away.
"We suspect he’s been kept squashed in a small cage where he did not have the space to move or turn around because of the nature and locations of his sores.
“Murphy is an entire male American bulldog cross, who is thought to be around one to two years old.
"He weighed just 16.6kg when he arrived, around 10kg under the weight he should be. He doesn’t have a microchip so we’ve been unable to track down his owner."
Once Murphy's health has stabilised, he'll be taken to an RSPCA animal hospital for ongoing care and treatment, before being found a loving new home.
Inspector Araujo is appealing for anyone with information on Murphy and how he came to be abandoned to contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
Murphy isn't the only dog devastatingly abandoned this month - disabled dog Defford was also intentionally tied to a tree in a secluded space.
Defford is thought to be a young German shepherd and is around one year old. He has deformed rear legs and a very distinct walk.
RSPCA Inspector Nicola Johnson, said: "He is such a sweet and gentle-natured dog. It’s heartbreaking to think someone has abandoned him because of his legs.
"It really upsets me to think his owner had decided to just dump him like rubbish and simply walk away from their terrified pet.
Do you have a dog story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
