RSPCA urgent appeal for information after young Shih Tzu found abandoned in Shotton

Animal welfare charity RSPCA Cymru has launched an urgent appeal for information after a young Shih Tzu was found abandoned on a driveway in Shotton.

The female dog, approximately a year old, was discovered in a pet carrier on Shotton Lane, with severely matted fur, poor body condition and no microchip.

Fortunately, the homeowners found her and promptly took her to a local vet, who then alerted the RSPCA.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Mel Froude expressed her concern over the disturbing event, stating, “This poor dog was just left on this driveway.”

“She had extremely bad matted fur and a poor body condition. We are hoping that maybe someone in the community may be able to help us further in finding out what happened here.”

Despite CCTV footage from the incident at around 6.45pm on 22 May, the individual in question remains unidentifiable.

As a result, the RSPCA is making an urgent plea to the public for assistance. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

This distressing case comes amidst a troubling spike in pet abandonment reports. In April this year alone, the RSPCA received 1,508 reports to their emergency line about animals being dumped.

This marks a rise of 9.6% compared to the same period last year.

While the story of the abandoned Shih Tzu – now named Ivy – had a bleak beginning, there is a silver lining.

Ivy is now in the care of the RSPCA and is steadily gaining weight. “She’s a lovely little thing – friendly but very nervous. She now has been taken into our care and has been doing well and putting on weight which is great news,” shared Froude.

The RSPCA provides cost of living support for pet owners who may be struggling, including a helpline and an online hub with practical advice and pet food bank schemes.

Mel Froude urged anyone facing difficulties with their pets to seek help, emphasizing, “Abandoning an animal is never the answer.”

For those wishing to assist the RSPCA in their mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in need, they can visit the RSPCA website or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.