The RSPCA has released shocking images of three dogs who were found severely matted after they had been abandoned in a crate in North Yorkshire.
The three terrier cross type dogs were spotted by a member of the public on 21 September in a field off Holtby Lane near York. It is believed they escaped from an empty crate which was found nearby.
After enlisting the help of a family member, the dogs were caught and taken to a local vet, before being transferred to the RSPCA’s York, Harrogate & District Branch animal centre in Landing Lane.
They were in such an appalling condition that at first it was difficult to tell what breed they were. All three adult dogs had heavily matted faeces-caked fur that had formed thick, hardened dreadlocks around their heads, tails and feet, leaving their faces almost completely obscured. It took staff from the centre several hours to bathe and clip them.
Now named Shaun, Dougal and Wendy, the dogs are recovering from their ordeal and will continue to be cared for by the RSPCA branch before loving new homes are found for them.
Ruth McCabe, Manager at the Landing Lane centre in York, said: “Considering what they’ve been through, these poor dogs are making good progress. Under the huge matted clumps of fur, three sweet characters have emerged and they have now been given a new lease of life.
“They were struggling to see and move properly, which must have been very uncomfortable and distressing for them.
“Now they’re enjoying running around again, something they’ve probably not been able to do for quite some time.”
RSPCA Inspector Beth Boyd, who is investigating the incident, added: “It was heartbreaking to see the condition that Shaun, Dougal and Wendy were in. Given the severity of the matting, it’s likely these little dogs had been neglected for many months before being callously dumped in a crate and left for someone else to pick up the pieces.
“We’re hugely grateful to the kind-hearted family who came to their aid and took them to a vet, ensuring they got the help they desperately needed as quickly as possible. We’d urge anyone who recognises these dogs or has information about how they came to be abandoned, to get in touch.”
The RSPCA received 20,999 calls about abandoned animals last year, more than in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Dogs were dumped most often, with 14,172 incidents reportedto the charity.If you would like to help the RSPCA’s York, Harrogate & District Branch care for Shaun, Dougal and Wendy, you can donate via their website.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA’s appeal line, in confidence, on 0300 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 01357429.
