RSPCA appeal after seriously ill dog dumped in Leeds woods

It's believed the dog had just given birth and there are now concerns for the welfare of her puppies.

The charity is seeking help to find the owner of mother - a Cane Corso-type dog - who died.

The RSPCA said the dog was found dumped in woodland, on the Woodland Trust’s Temple Newsam Estate, in Leeds on November 25 and appeared to have recently given birth to puppies.

She was discovered by a member of the public riding their bike in the woods.

A Cane Corso type dog, who sadly died after being found woodland in Leeds (Image: RSPCA)

The canine was suffering from a prolapsed vagina, mastitis - an inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes involves an infection - and pressure sores on her legs.

She was taken into Vets4Pets at Birstall Shopping Park but was rushed to RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital to undergo emergency surgery.

Sadly, an infection she had developed as a result of the prolapse was so serious that it was decided the kindest thing to do to end her suffering was to put her to sleep. 

The Cane Corso had a prolapsed vagina and mastitis (Image: RSPCA)

RSPCA inspector Emma Ellis is investigating the neglect of this dog and wants to trace the owner to establish how she came to be in this condition, as well as to check on the welfare of any offspring.

She said: “This dog was so skinny that she registered a body condition score of just one out of nine.

“She looked as if she had recently had puppies and was suffering from a prolapsed vagina.

“Sadly, the dog had to be put to sleep as the internal infection she had suffered was so bad that it meant the prolapse could not be fixed.”

A Cane Corso type dog, who sadly died after being found woodland in Leeds (Image: RSPCA)

The dog was grey in colour and had a distinctive feature in that her right ear had been cut.

She was microchipped, but no details had been registered. 

If anyone has information about the owner of the Cane Corso, or they recognise the dog, or know of the whereabouts of her puppies, then they are asked to ring the RSPCA appeals line number on: 0800 123 8018.

The incident comes as the animal welfare charity has revealed a shocking 25 per cent increase in pet abandonments, which they believe is due to the cost of living crisis.

The RSPCA is calling on the public to donate to its Christmas campaign to try to help more animals in desperate need.

A Cane Corso type dog, who sadly died after being found woodland in Leeds (Image: RSPCA)