A dangerously underweight dog found with injuries consistent with fighting has been treated by animal experts after a local resident reported him. The two-year-old pooch was found covered in pressure sores and wounds.
At 15kg underweight, his tail and one of his ears were also split when he was found wandering the streets in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. These types of injuries are often found when canines are used in organised fighting, according to the RSPCA.
The animal welfare charity is now appealing for help to find the American Bulldog's owner and is keen to quiz them about the dog's injuries, reports YorkshireLive.
RSPCA inspector Adam Dickinson said: "He was covered in sores and scars and one of his legs was swelling up. The sores were all over his body and it is thought they could be the result of him being kept on a concrete surface all the time.
"As far as the wounds he has suffered, the vets are not sure whether he may have been used for fighting, but he is certainly in a state of neglect. We need to trace his owner to see what has happened to him."
The dog was taken to a Huddersfield-based vets after being picked up on Queen Street in Ravensthorpe by a passing member of the public and is said to have responded well to treatment. Mr Dickinson added: "When he is fully recovered, a nurse at the vets practice is considering fostering him in the short-term.
"He’s a really friendly dog who loves to play and it was so sad seeing the condition he had been left in. He was 15 kilos underweight, which is significant for such a big dog. You could feel his ribs and there was no muscle on him at all.
"We would appreciate any information we can get as it is unclear how he came to be in this area. The person who found him had never seen a bulldog like this in the area before and he did try knocking on nearby properties to see if he could find the owner, but without any joy."
The dog's microchip led the RSCPA to an address in Marymead Drive, Stevenage, but the details are understood to be out of date. The two-year-old continues to receive treatment for a leg infection and has been put on a course of antibiotics.
His tail and ear have also been patched up. Anyone with any information is asked to ring the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018.
