Hunt is on for owner of dog found dumped in the street
The RSPCA is asking members of the public for help in locating the owner of a dog who was found abandoned in Houghton on Mother’s Day with two large tumours.
One of the tumours, located on the dog’s stomach, was so heavy that it was dragging along the ground when she walked, causing bleeding and sores.
The female brindle Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog was found straying in Houghton at around 4pm on Sunday, March 14.
The RSPCA was alerted by a concerned member of the public who saw that the dog was in pain and managed to safely catch her before taking her home until she was collected by rescue teams.
RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Emma Stainthorpe rushed the dog, who has been aged at around eight to ten years old, to a vet for emergency treatment for the tumours.
The vet found that the tumours on her abdomen and rectum were non-cancerous and she has since undergone an operation to have them both removed.
The dog, which was not microchipped, is now recuperating from her ordeal at the Durham and District RSPCA branch.
An investigation is now under way to locate the owner of the dog.
Emma is appealing for anyone who may have any information about her to come forward.
She said: “It is so sad to see how this lovely and friendly dog was neglected and left with obvious untreated large tumours on her body which would have caused her distress.
“The tumour on her abdomen was so heavy that it had stretched to the floor and was dragging along the ground as she moved, causing it to be bleeding and sore.
“It is likely that her owner deliberately decided to dump her to avoid seeking veterinary treatment.
"I am grateful to the person who found her and alerted us.
“I am now keen to find the person responsible for this and hope someone may be able to tell me who owned the distinctive-looking dog.”
If any member of the public has information which could lead to the owner of the dog being located, then they should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.