The RSPCA has issued an urgent appeal after a Staffordshire bull terrier was found starving and abandoned in freezing temperatures in Stockport. The female dog, described as 'friendly and sweet natured', was discovered severely emaciated in the Reddish area and taken for emergency treatment.
Charity officer Steve Wickham said the dog's condition made it clear she had been neglected for weeks. 'Aside from being starving, she was weak and had very little body fat to protect her from the elements, so it's not surprising hypothermia had started to set in,' he added.
The terrier weighed just 15kg (33lbs) when found and was suffering seizures caused by suspected hypothermia. She is now being treated at the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, where she is fed small meals every three hours. 'Food has been slowly reintroduced and she's starting to make progress,' Mr Wickham said.
A microchip in the pet was linked to an address in Manchester, but the previous owner told the charity the animal had been sold six months ago. Volunteers are now asking for help to find who the dog belongs to. 'We're very keen to find out who she belongs to and we're appealing to the public to help us,' Mr Wickham said.
