Investigation launched after skinny dog found abandoned in Merseyside

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a skinny dog was found wandering in Prescot, Merseyside.

RSPCA Inspector Leanne Cooper is investigating after the dog – believed to be a pocket bully type – was found straying in Holden Road in Prescot.

The tan-coloured dog was caught by a member of the public and taken into a local vet practice in Liverpool, where vets contacted the RSPCA.

Inspector Cooper said: “The dog was extremely emaciated, and was so skinny you could see all of her ribs and her protruding hip bones.

“We suspect she’s been neglected for some time, and that she’s been malnourished before being abandoned in Prescot, on 17 May, and left to fend for herself. She weighed just 18.1kg.”

The dog, a three-year-old called Diana, was microchipped and enquiries were made to track down her current owner,  but the RSPCA is now appealing to the public for help.

Diana received initial treatment from vets and is now in the care of the local authority dog warden.

Inspector Cooper continues to investigate the circumstances around her condition and abandonment.

She added: “I’d like to hear from anyone who recognises Diana or knows where she may have come from, or who owned her. You can get in touch with us by contacting our appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leaving me a message, using reference number 1268936.”

Vets believe Diana may be linked to another dog of a similar breed who was also brought in having been abandoned emaciated a few weeks before.

Helping dogs in need

Inspector Cooper added: “Unfortunately there are lots of dogs who need help and while we’d like to be there for them all, we simply can’t. That’s why we’re asking the public to do their bit to help create a better world for animals.

“If you find a stray dog, please contact the local authority, which provides a service to help unowned, lost and missing dogs. If you’re concerned the dog may be sick or injured – like poor Diana here – then please take them to a local vet who will be able to provide them with the help they need as quickly as possible, and can then call us in if they suspect neglect or cruelty.

“We want to esure animals in need get the help they need as quickly as possible, so we’re grateful to everyone who does their bit to help. Together, we can all help to create a kinder world for every kind.”