The RSPCA has launched an urgent appeal for witnesses after a frightened dog was found cruelly abandoned and sealed inside a cardboard box during freezing weather conditions.
The shocking discovery was made by a member of the public on Monday, 22nd January, on Bradfield Road in Frodsham, Cheshire. The small male terrier-type dog was found trapped inside a sealed cardboard box, left to endure the sub-zero temperatures.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Lauren Bradshaw, who is now investigating the incident, described the heart-wrenching scene. "The poor dog was absolutely terrified and was shaking like a leaf when he was found," she said. "He'd been left inside a sealed cardboard box which was damp from the inside, so he must have been utterly bewildered and very cold."
From Abandoned to Safe Haven
The good Samaritan who found the distressed animal immediately contacted the RSPCA. Inspector Bradshaw rushed the dog, now named Jasper by his rescuers, to a local veterinary clinic for a thorough check-up.
Fortunately, despite his ordeal, Jasper did not require any major veterinary treatment. He is now being cared for at the RSPCA's Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, where he is slowly recovering from his traumatic experience.
"He's a lovely little chap and is starting to come out of his shell now he's warm and safe," ARO Bradshaw added. "It's heartbreaking to think that someone could just dump him like rubbish and leave him to fend for himself, especially in such cold weather."
A Plea for Information
The RSPCA is now urging anyone with information about how Jasper came to be abandoned to come forward. Inspector Bradshaw is particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Bradfield Road area around the time of the incident.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the RSPCA's appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference number 01133868.
This incident highlights a worrying trend of animal abandonment, a criminal offence that can result in an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison. The RSPCA continues to work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in desperate need.
