A "terrified" dog who recently had puppies was found tied to a tree in Anfield "whimpering" during the early hours of a morning.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog, aged about two, was found by a man walking home at around 1am on Saturday in a wooded area at Anfield Sports Club in Lower Breck Road. Upon returning to the same place at 5am to investigate, he found the young dog tied to a tree.
Reporting to the RSPCA, the dog has been named Ann by rescuers after where she was found and is in the care of Greater Manchester Animal Hospital. RSPCA inspector Nadine Penguily launched an appeal to find the person responsible as she is also concerned the dog had recently had puppies and is worried about their well-being.
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She said: "Poor Ann has clearly been neglected as she is so thin and it is clear she has recently had puppies as her teats are swollen and she still has milk. I am concerned that someone could just abandon her in this state and am also worried for the welfare of her puppies. I do wonder if someone has sold on the pups and made their money and then decided to dump her.
"I am keen to hear from anyone who may know who is responsible for dumping Ann in such an irresponsible way. She is quite a distinctive dog with a black patch over one eye. She is super-friendly and in spite of what she has been through is very loving.
"Times are tough at the moment and we understand that many families are struggling to cope, particularly given the rising cost of living, and we fear that we’ll see many, many more pets being relinquished to charities or abandoned because their owners simply don’t know where to turn. But abandoning pets like this is so irresponsible and cruel.
"Please, please never abandon your pet but ask for help before things get so desperate. The RSPCA has also launched an online Cost of Living Hub with money saving tips and advice for anyone who is finding times hard."
Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time or who knows a dog of this appearance who recently gave birth is being asked to contact the RSPCA’s appeal line, confidentially, on 0300 123 8018.
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