RSPCA appeal after neglected puppy fly-tipped in the snow in Smethwick
A terrified and freezing puppy who was found dumped alongside piles of rubbish and scrap in the snow has prompted an RSPCA investigation.
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The young Staffordshire bull terrier - named Merry by rescuers due to her friendly demeanor - was found by a member of the public amongst snow-covered fly-tipped rubbish near Vittoria Street in Smethwick at 5.30am on November 20.
Merry was found to have a lump on her stomach and blood in her urine. She was rushed for urgent veterinary treatment and is now getting the treatment and care she needs at RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer, Charlotte Holder, who is investigating for the animal welfare charity, said: “It’s particularly sad to think that people could do this to a vulnerable pet especially when the weather turns really wintery and on the run-up to Christmas.
"The conditions were awful as it was freezing cold - it seems she was literally thrown out with the rubbish and left in such awful and terrifying situation.”
Charlotte returned to the scene where Merry was rescued and had to scramble across the snow-covered scrap and rubbish to check if any other animals had been abandoned - fortunately none were found.
She added: “It was very lucky she was spotted trying to shelter under some rubbish in the snow or I dread to think what would have happened to her. The person who found her could see her stomach injury so reported the matter to us.
“We’re keen to find out where she came from and who left her when she desperately needed veterinary care.
“Fortunately she is now receiving the care she needs with the RSPCA and once she is returned to health we will look for a new loving home for her.”
The RSPCA has launched its Join The Christmas Rescue campaign, to highlight the battle frontline rescuers face ahead of what is expected to be another bleak winter for thousands of animals like Merry.
New figures released by the animal welfare charity this week show the number of animals abandoned in England and Wales during the winter period has increased by a massive 51 per cent in just three years.
Charlotte added: “Right now, far too many animals are suffering but as long as animals are in desperate need this Christmas, we won’t stop. So please Join The Christmas Rescue and together we will bring joy and safety to animals.”
