Search for "callous" owner who abandoned starving dog tied to a tree in Oldham

The RSPCA are investigating after the discovery of an abandoned dog tied to a tree in Oldham.

A man said he came across the whimpering greyhound tied with a rope to the tree in Littlemoor Lane at about 2.30pm on Thursday 2 December.

He reported the matter to the RSPCA who rescued the male dog and transported him to the animal welfare charity’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for veterinary treatment.

The vet found the dog, who was not microchipped, to be dehydrated and very underweight. He was given food and kept on a drip overnight.  The RSPCA say the dog is now "doing well" in their care

Inspector Paul Heaton, who collected the dog at the scene, is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the abandoning of the dog. The greyhound is thought to be aged about 6-years-old and may have been called Duke.

"The poor dog was obviously frightened and was in poor shape because he was grossly underweight. However, he is very friendly and loving and now doing well in our care.  If no-one comes forward he will be rehomed through our charity.

"From preliminary investigations I believe the dog may have been called Duke so we have kept this name and I am now keen to find the person responsible for abandoning him in such a callous way.

"I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area or anyone who knows someone who owned a dog like this

"It seems his owner has decided to just tie him to a tree and leave him vulnerable and scared and then walk away from their terrified pet who had clearly not had much to eat in the weeks leading up to this abandonment.

"I would urge anyone who can help the investigation to call the appeals line on 0300 123 8018."

The RSPCA has launched a Christmas appeal for help as the charity is braced for a surge of abandoned and neglected animals as pet ownership soared during lockdown.

Last December, the RSPCA received one call every minute, one report of an abandoned animal every hour, and took 70 rescue animals into RSPCA care every day - despite England and Wales having strict restrictions in place.

During the pandemic, pet ownership surged, with estimates of more than 3.2m people taking on new pets.

With the return to work, the end of furlough and the rises in food prices and energy bills, the charity is concerned that there will be a rise in abandonment, neglect and even abuse of animals.

Paul added: "We are already seeing abandonments rise month on month and are braced for a surge of abandoned and neglected animals as pet ownership soared during lockdown,

"We’re asking people to 'Join the Rescue' this Christmas to help us help animals and bring abandoned animals to safety."

To discover more about the campaign, click here. 

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