A probe has been launched after the RSPCA had to put down an abandoned bulldog found in 'one of the worst conditions' it had ever seen. The five-year-old was found in a garden in Marshland St James, Norfolk with open weeping wounds all over - which were believed to be cancerous tumours.
The finder contacted the dog warden who immediately took the dog to a vet and contacted the RSPCA. The dog was then collected and seen by another vet where following further examination it was decided that the kindest thing to do was to put the dog to sleep, as her condition was so bad.
Carl Saunders, branch manager for the West Norfolk Branch, collected the dog to take her to a vet. He said: “The condition this poor girl had been left in will stay with me forever - it was just heartbreaking to think someone had allowed her to get into this condition.
“She would have been suffering for a prolonged period of time and I cannot comprehend how she was left in such pain and discomfort. I have seen many poorly and sick dogs who have come to our centre over the years but this poor girl was the worst I have ever seen. Yet despite this she was such a gentle little girl - it truly is heartbreaking.”
RSPCA inspector Justin Stubbs is investigating the incident and said: “It is devastating that this dog has been left in such a terrible state and in so much pain. The dog was chipped, but the details on it are not up to date.
"We also think she may have been used for breeding in the past. Therefore I am doing what I can to find who is the owner of this dog and I would urge anyone with information which can help my investigation to call me in confidence on 0300 123 8018.
“Sadly, we’re starting to see the results of rising costs on pet owners. More animals are coming into our care, more animals are being abandoned, and fewer animals are being rehomed - but there’s never any excuse to abandon an animal, particularly one in such urgent need of help.” The dog was found on January 22.
