The RSPCA is appealing for information after a skinny and neglected dog was found wandering at the side of a busy road by police.
West Midlands Police came across the female Mastiff-German Shepherd-cross dog straying in Quinton Road, Harborne, Birmingham, on Sunday morning and managed to capture her.
They realised the poor dog had been neglected as she was emaciated with her bones protruding and had a bad skin condition – so they reported the matter to the RSPCA.
The animal welfare charity took the 10-year-old dog, called Molly, into their care where she is recuperating from her ordeal.
Animal rescuer, RSPCA inspector Stephen Lee, is now investigating to find out who is responsible and believes Molly was callously dumped at the side of the road.
He said: “We found a microchip which identified the dog as Molly and we were able to trace her original owners – but it transpires she was stolen from a garden six years ago. The owners are unable to take her back.
“Whoever had her recently has clearly neglected her as she was so thin with her spine and ribs visible and she also had an untreated skin condition. Then it appears they decided to dump her at the side of a road – which must have been terrifying for her.
“She is recovering well at the RSPCAs Birmingham Animal Hospital but I would like to trace the person responsible who allowed this to happen and then coldly discard her like a piece of rubbish at the side of a road.
“She is quite a distinctive looking dog so I am hoping someone may recognise her.”
Molly is now recovering from her ordeal and is receiving treatment for a skin condition and is on a diet to help her gain weight. She weighed 33kgs but for her breed she should weigh about 40kgs.
RSPCA inspector Vicki Taylor, who is helping with the investigation, said she is doing well.
She said: “She appears so sad but she is really doing well with treatment and is getting lots of care and fuss.
“She really is a sweet-natured dog and once she has recovered we will find her a new home.”
Anyone with information about who is responsible should call the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0800 123 8018.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit the RSPCA’s website or call their donation line on 0300 123 8181.
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