A frightened and skinny dog which had recently had puppies was left tied to a tree near Anfield in Liverpool – prompting an RSPCA investigation.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog, aged about two, was discovered by a man walking home during the early hours of Saturday morning in a wooded area at Anfield Sports Club in Lower Breck Road, Anfield.
The man heard the dog whimpering in the area as he walked past at 1am, He returned to the same place at 5am to investigate and found the poor pet tied to a tree.
He reported the matter to the RSPCA and the dog, named Ann by rescuers after where she was found, is now in the care of the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where she will be cared for by dedicated staff until she is ready to be rehomed. The dog was microchipped but her owner’s details were not registered.
RSPCA inspector Nadine Penguily is investigating and is keen to find the person responsible. She is also concerned as the friendly pooch had recently had puppies and is worried about their well-being.
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.”
Could you offer a rescue pet a loving new home? Please visit Find A Pet 
to see all of the animals currently in our care who are looking for their paw-fect match as part of the RSPCA’s it’s Adoptober campaign; a month-long rehoming drive which aims to shine a light on rehoming and encourage more people to consider adopting instead of shopping.
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