A female dog is recovering in RSPCA care after being found in a severely emaciated condition in plummeting temperatures in Stockport.
The white and tan Staffordshire bull terrier cross was taken to a veterinary practice after a member of the public had found her on Sunday evening (14 January) in the Reddish area.
Weighing only 15 kilos (33 pounds), she was having seizures caused by suspected hypothermia and was so thin the vet who examined her gave her a body score condition of only two out of nine.
Photographs taken by the RSPCA show the dog, who was unsteady on her feet, with severe muscle wastage.
Placed on a drip, she was cared for overnight at the vets and has now been transferred to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for ongoing treatment where she’s being fed small meals every three hours.
Although microchipped to an address in Manchester, the owner has told the RSPCA that the dog – who is described as very friendly and sweet natured – was sold to someone else about six months ago and has been unable to provide further information.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Steve Wickham, who is investigating the incident, said: “It’s clear from this dog’s very upsetting condition that she’s not received anywhere near the appropriate level of care for weeks, likely months.
“Aside from being starving, she was weak and had very little body fat to protect her from the elements, so it’s not surprising hypothermia had started to set in, in this cold weather.
“She was stabilised at the vets and our thanks go to the team who looked after her initially. Food has been slowly reintroduced since and she’s starting to make progress.
“We’re very keen to find out who she belongs to and we’re appealing to the public to help us.”
Anyone with first-hand information which can assist the RSPCA investigation is urged to contact the charity’s appeals line, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference reference number 1209012.
This year the RSPCA celebrates its 200th birthday and to mark this special anniversary the animal welfare charity wants to inspire one million people to join our movement to improve animals’ lives. Visit www.rspca.org.uk/200
