Sick dog found in cemetery
THERE ARE FEARS THAT SHE HAS BEEN BEATEN AND THEN ABANDONED
THE RSPCA is investigating after fears a young spaniel was abandoned with a life-threatening leg infection.
The dog was able to do little more than lift her head after she was discovered collapsed just inside the entrance gates of Northern Cemetery in Hull by a member of the public on Sunday, March 17.
An open, infected wound on the top of her right leg - thought to be the result of a dog bite had left her fighting a high temperature and it’s suspected she may also have been beaten.
The RSPCA has said the fact she was taken quickly to a vet by the person who found her meant she received life-saving care as soon as possible.
The charity is investigating the incident after being contacted by the veterinary practice and has appealed for anyone with information about the young brown and white spaniel, who is nearly three-years-old, to come forward. Although she was microchipped to an address in Darlington, the contact details were no longer in use.
RSPCA Inspector Laura Barber, who transferred her to a second vet for ongoing intensive care, said: “She was so poorly from fighting the infection that the veterinary team had to keep turning her from side to side and she was only able to lift her head occasionally.
“When I first visited her she only moved her eyes, but to my amazement when I went back two days later she was up and walking - albeit stiffly - and more importantly wagging her tail. “She’s a very sweet little dog with a lovely nature but she remains petrified and hasn’t made a sound since she was rescued. She’s now been transferred into our care and is continuing to receive pain relief. “Unsurprisingly, she’s exhausted and sleeping a lot but she’s getting a little stronger every day. It’s very upsetting to think about the circumstances in which she was found and what she may have been through, but she’s safe now and getting lots of TLC from the team who are caring for her.”
The RSPCA fear the spaniel was likely abandoned deliberately but is appealing to the public for help to find out more information. X-rays have shown no broken bones, although she may have a long-standing issue with one of her hips which will require further investigation and treatment.
The charity has thanked the member of the public who found her, along with Kingston Vets and Vetsnow in Hull, and Wicstun Vets in Market Weighton for the care they gave her.
■ Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA’S inspectorate appeal line, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018 ,quoting incident number 01237087.
She remains petrified and hasn’t made a sound since she was rescued.