The RSPCA is appealing for information about a pedigree Victorian Bulldog found abandoned in Dagenham, East London.
They have named the tan-and-white female dog Princess, and estimate her age to be around 5 years old. She was found by a member of the public on Academy Way on Monday, 6th February, in the early hours of the morning. No only severely underweight, poor Princess was poorly, with a damaged tail and overgrown nails. She is beginning her recovery and receiving treatment from the charity.
Inspector Kate Ford was called upon to rescue the dog, and said, “Poor Princess was in a right state.
“She was so thin you could see all her ribs protruding - unusual for this normally well-muscled breed. A dog like this should be at least 27kg I would say, but instead she weighed just 18kg
“She was poorly and suffering from diarrhoea, had clearly been neglected in many ways. She had sores all over her legs, probably from sleeping on concrete floors, and overgrown nails which makes me think she had not been taken for many walks.
“She is a beautiful dog and clearly of good breeding. She is a lovely girl, but a pretty strong character and may well have been too much for her previous owners, who may have not realised how challenging looking after a pedigree pet like this can be.
“Pedigree and purebred bulldogs are often sought out because of their distinctive features, and can make wonderful pets, but many people fall for them when they are puppies and do not realise how big and strong they will grow to be, and all the time, attention and walks they will need.
“We urge anyone wanting to take on a bulldog, or indeed any animal, to do their research and make sure they are able to take on this care for the animal’s lifetime and provide for his or her needs.”
Anyone with any information about Princess and how she came to be abandoned on the street in this state should call the RSPCA, in complete confidence, on 0300 123 8018.
Find more RSPCA advice about bulldogs https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy/bulldog
Thankfully, Princess is doing well with her recovery, and the RSPCA hope she will soon be well enough to be rehomed. If you would like to offer Princess or any of the dogs in the care of the RSPCA, visit https://www.rspca.org.uk/findapet
The RSPCA can only rescue and rehome animals thanks to public donations. Text LOVE to 87023 to give £3 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message) or go to www.rspca.org.uk/give.