The RSPCA is appealing for information following the discovery of an emaciated dog in Croydon, South London.
The body of a brown and white bull breed cross was found late in the afternoon of Tuesday, 26 November, in Whitehorse Road Recreation Ground. A member of the public discovered the dog near a tree behind a perimeter wall.
The deceased female dog was severely underweight, with her ribs, spine, and hips visibly protruding. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Tia Pennant, who attended the scene, confirmed that the dog appeared to have been dead before being left in the park.
Pennant noted that dog walkers present in the park earlier in the day had not seen the body, suggesting it was placed there in the afternoon. The dog’s underside was wet, despite the dry weather, indicating she may have been kept outside at a property prior to her death.
Appeal for Information and CCTV Footage
As part of its investigation, the RSPCA is seeking CCTV footage from the area surrounding the park, particularly near the Legacy Croydon Youth Zone. The footage could provide insight into how the dog came to be dumped at the location.
Pennant urged residents in the area to come forward with information: “If anyone knows of a neighbour’s dog in the locality that disappeared suddenly around Monday or Tuesday of last week, we’d like to hear from them.”
Individuals with relevant information or footage are encouraged to contact the RSPCA appeals line at 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01398754.
