RSPCA launch appeal after emaciated dog found dead in field

AN emaciated dog has been found dead in a muddy pool after it was cruelly tied to a water trough and abandoned.

The lurcher-type dog was heavily neglected for a prolonged period before its death and is believed to have frozen to death.

A heartbreaking set of images shared by the RSPCA has shown the tan-coloured lurcher-type dog tied to the water trough, as well as the horrifying effects of the dog’s mistreatment.

The body of the severely emaciated animal was discovered in a muddy pool of water by a member of the public on farmland near Kelsall at about 4.30pm on Tuesday, December 5.

The dog is believed to have been deliberately dumped.

He was taken to a nearby vet, where he was given the lowest possible body score condition.

The bones in his legs, hips, and ribs were visible and there was very little muscle tone, indicating a prolonged period of neglect. No microchip was found.

The dog, found deceased in a field outside Kelsall (Image: RSPCA)

The RSPCA was contacted regarding the incident and is now appealing for anyone with information or dash cam footage, possibly from Kelsall Road, to get in touch with them.

RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes said: “Based on the fact the dog was tied up and the presence of mud on his legs, we think he was probably alive when he was left in the field.

“Temperatures in the area went down to well below freezing on Monday night into Tuesday morning and because he had so little body fat, it’s likely he died from exposure.

The dog was severely malnourished (Image: RSPCA)

“The images of him lying there alone in the mud are difficult to look at. It’s hard to comprehend how someone can deliberately leave an emaciated dog in circumstances like this and just walk away, but sadly all the signs indicate this is what happened.”      

The charity is appealing for anyone with first-hand information about who is responsible to get in touch on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 1193891.