Abandoned five-year-old bulldog found in Marshland St James in one of 'worst conditions' RSPCA worker had ever seen
Warning: distressing images below
RSPCA officials are appealing for information after a neglected dog was found in a village in one of the worst conditions a worker had ever seen.
The five-year-old female bulldog was abandoned in a garden of a property on Smeeth Road, Marshland St James on Sunday, January 22.
The dog, who it is believed may have been used for breeding in the past, was covered in open weeping wounds all over her body, which were believed to be cancerous tumours with secondary infections.
The person who found her contacted the dog warden, who immediately took the dog to a vet, where she was given pain relief.
The dog warden also contacted the RSPCA.
She was 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 to end her suffering, as her condition was so bad.
Carl Saunders, branch manager for the West Norfolk RSPCA 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 RSPCA is urging people not to abandon their pets.
The animal welfare charity has reported seeing a "shocking" 25% rise in the number of abandonment incidents being dealt with by its rescue teams last year, with a 13% rise in neglect incidents being dealt with by teams.
The charity says it is working hard to keep pets in loving homes by providing support to those struggling and urging animal lovers who are in a position to help to support the appeal by donating during this crisis.
Anyone struggling to take care of their pet is urged never to abandon them but to ask for help.
The charity has also launched a Cost of Living Hub online with tips and advice for anyone who might be finding times hard.
