An elderly dog whose coat was so severely matted he had difficulty walking is finally able to run and stretch his legs again after being transformed in RSPCA Nantwich care.
These shocking images show how Larry had suffered months of neglect before being found straying and believed abandoned in the Bradfield Road area of Crewe.
The little poodle/Maltese type dog – thought to be around 13 years old – was in such a state at first it was hard to tell what breed he was.
His heavily matted fur was caked in faeces and urine and had formed thick, hardened dreadlocks around his head, tail and feet, leaving his face almost completely obscured.
He was taken to the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Hospital & Cattery in Nantwich for treatment by a member of public who found him.
Larry was later transferred to the charity’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where vets sedated him and shaved off almost 2kg of stinking fur.
He’s now receiving ongoing care at the RSPCA’s Wirral & Chester branch animal home in Wallasey.
The RSPCA is investigating Larry’s case and is appealing to anyone who recognises the dog to come forward. Larry was found in Bradfield Road, Crewe, on May 2.
RSPCA inspector Louise Showering said: “Larry was in an appalling condition, his coat looked like a pile of dirty old rags and it’s likely he’d been neglected for a prolonged period of time.
“We think he was probably abandoned, or deliberately left to stray.
“His condition would have been of concern to anyone who saw him, and we’re very thankful to the member of the public who so kindly stopped and made sure he got the help he desperately needed.
“We’d reiterate to anyone who may be struggling to look after their pets, especially in the current financial climate, to seek help, and we would urge people to contact their vets, local rescues and animal welfare charities.
“Please don’t wait and let it get to the point where your animal is suffering and has deteriorated to the shocking state in which poor Larry was found.”
Anyone who recognises him or has information about him is urged to call the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference 1065689.
The RSPCA say cases of pet abandonment continue to rise.
In April, the RSPCA received 1,508 reports to its emergency line about an animal being abandoned.
That compares with 1,370 incidents for the same month last year, a rise of nearly 10%.
The RSPCA is providing dedicated cost of living support for worried pet owners, with a recently-opened telephone helpline on 0300 123 0650 and an online hub, which has lots of practical tips and advice, including details of pet food bank schemes.
Call me hard line of you wish but anyone who willfully neglects an animal they are supposed to be caring for needs more than a fine. Poor thing never asked for his owners. It really makes my blood boil tbh.
The person who left this dog to become so matted, needs to be prosecuted, but most likely the dog was not chipped, so the bad owner will not be found. He was moved from place to place, before he got the help he needed, now he looks so good, all the terrible matted fur has gone, and his little smile while running, makes him so nice looking. Bless his little heart, and his hope for abetter life.