Dog was chained to filthy shed at empty property and needed emergency veterinary treatment
THE RSPCA is appealing for information after a severely emaciated dog was discovered close to death in the backyard of an empty property in Merthyr Tydfil.
The male lurcher cross, described as being just “skin and bones”, was found at a property in Ash Crescent on February 24.
Despite efforts to trace the dog’s owner, no-one has come forward.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Andrew Harris attended the scene and found the dog barely able to stand. The lurcher was chained to a filthy shed, with his ribs and spine clearly visible. He was also suffering from a wound to one of his back feet.
The dog was rushed to a veterinary practice in Bridgend, where he received emergency treatment including fluids and antibiotics.
Police were called to the property and the dog was seized and placed into the care of the RSPCA.
The brindle-coloured lurcher, who was not microchipped, has since made a strong recovery and has been renamed Reggie. He has now been rehomed with one of the veterinary nurses who helped treat him.
RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Cooper, who is investigating the case, said: “This poor dog was found in absolutely horrendous conditions in the backyard of this property.
“Had he not been rescued at the time it is unlikely that he would have survived as it is likely he had been left like this for several months.
“He had been starved to the point that he was falling over when our officer attended – he was so emaciated that he was collapsing.”
She added that two kennels at the back of the property were covered in faeces, and that a member of the public who raised the alarm had been trying to throw food into the yard after fearing the dog was dying.
“Thankfully, Reggie has made a full recovery and has found a loving new home,” she said.
“He’s a very sweet boy who is doing so well now with a caring owner after such a terrible ordeal.
“We’d like to find out who owned him and how he came to be treated like this.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 01737766.
