A 12-week-old puppy had to have her leg amputated after being found abandoned in a park in Liverpool with an open fracture.
The black female lurcher pup was found on the night of Wednesday 30 March by a member of the public and taken to a Liverpool vet.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Katie Glenn said: “A member of the public found the puppy in a local park – known as Broadway or Norris Green Park – on 30 March.
“She had severe injuries to her back legs including an open fracture to her right back leg which needed immediate veterinary treatment. Sadly, vets felt her leg couldn’t be saved and we had to make the difficult decision to amputate.”
The puppy – now named Sally – was taken to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for surgery and is now recovering. She’ll be taken in by the Southport, Ormskirk & District Animal Centre who will find her a foster home to recover in.
Sally who was not microchipped and wasn’t wearing a collar or ID tag will remain in RSPCA care while she recovers. If no one claims her then she’ll begin her search for a new home once she’s been given a clean bill of health by vets.
RSPCA officers are, in the meantime, investigating and have appealed to anyone with information to get in touch.
Katie added: “We’d ask anyone who recognises Sally or who may have seen anything suspicious in the park on 30 March to get in touch with us on our appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for myself or my colleague, Inspector Jenny Bethel.
“We believe Sally may have been injured in a road accident or similar and that her owners may have panicked when faced with a potentially hefty vet bill. We understand that times are hard and that families are facing the fall-out of Covid and alarming cost of living rises, and we fear this could cause financial difficulties for many, including those with pets.
“If you’re struggling, please reach out and ask for help. There are many national and local charities that could help. And if your pet needs veterinary treatment please do not delay but speak to your clinic about payment plans or discounted treatment.
“We’d urge owners never to abandon their pet but to ask for help.”
