By Joshua Robinson –
The RSPCA is appealing for information after an elderly, poorly dog was abandoned at a park in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.
A member of the public found the Akita dog tied to a park bench at 10 am on Monday 15th May at Thornhill Park.
After observing the dog for some time, and realising no one was coming back for her, they took the dog to a vet, who contacted the RSPCA.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Becky Goulding, who is looking into the incident, said: “This poor girl was microchipped but the details aren’t up to date, so we’re unable to find out where she came from. What we do know from the microchip is that she is 11 years old.”
“Very sadly, she is in a bad way – undernourished and weak. The vets found that she is diabetic and it is likely her condition wasn’t managed, which is why she is in such a poor way.”
Becky said: “She’s currently getting a lot of TLC from the vets but we fear she might not pull through.”
Akita found at a park in West Yorkshire by member of the public
She has quite a distinctive-looking brown leather collar and lead, which looked quite new.
Becky added: “It may be that her owners were unable to afford to keep her because of her condition and in light of the cost of living crisis, but that is no excuse to abandon an animal in such a cruel way. There is help out there.”
The charity’s officers are seeing the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the frontline, with more people abandoning animals, more animals coming into their care, and rehoming slowing as financial pressures escalate.
In April alone, the RSPCA received 1,508 reports about abandonments, a rise from 1,370 for the same month last year, an increase of 9.6%.
Becky added: “We understand the financial difficulties some people are experiencing right now, however abandoning your pet, or not seeking appropriate veterinary help if it’s needed, is never acceptable. There is help and support available and we would urge people to contact their vets, local rescues and animal welfare charities.”
How to Contact the RSPCA
Anybody who has any information about the dog should contact the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018, using the quoting reference ‘01073251’.
To help pet owners who are worried about financial costs, please follow this RSPCA link: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/costofliving
Alternatively, the public can call the charity’s dedicated cost of living call line on 0300 123 0650.
