The RSPCA has issued an appeal for information after three severely neglected terrier cross dogs were found abandoned in a field near York.
The animals, discovered on 21 September by a member of the public, were in such a poor state that it was initially difficult to identify their breed. The dogs had thick, matted fur caked in faeces, leaving their faces almost completely obscured.
The trio, later named Shaun, Dougal, and Wendy, were found near Holtby Lane, believed to have escaped from an empty crate located nearby. After the dogs were captured with the help of a passer-by, they were taken to a local vet before being transferred to the RSPCA’s York, Harrogate & District Branch for further care.
Severe Neglect: Hours of Grooming to Remove Matted Fur
When the dogs arrived at the RSPCA’s animal centre in Landing Lane, their condition was described as appalling. Staff at the centre spent several hours bathing and clipping the dogs to remove the thick dreadlocks of matted fur that had formed around their heads, tails, and feet. The matting had become so severe that it also restricted their movement and vision, causing considerable discomfort.
Ruth McCabe, Manager of the York animal centre, shared: “Considering what they’ve been through, these poor dogs are making good progress. Under the huge matted clumps of fur, three sweet characters have emerged and they have now been given a new lease of life. They were struggling to see and move properly, which must have been very uncomfortable and distressing for them. Now they’re enjoying running around again, something they’ve probably not been able to do for quite some time.”
The dogs are now on the road to recovery and will remain in the care of the RSPCA until new homes can be found for them.
RSPCA Inspector Investigates the Incident
RSPCA Inspector Beth Boyd, who is leading the investigation into the dogs’ abandonment, described the severity of the case. “It was heartbreaking to see the condition that Shaun, Dougal, and Wendy were in. Given the severity of the matting, it’s likely these little dogs had been neglected for many months before being callously dumped in a crate and left for someone else to pick up the pieces.”
The RSPCA expressed gratitude to the family who found the dogs and took swift action to ensure they received veterinary care. The charity is now appealing to the public for any information that could help trace those responsible for abandoning the dogs.
“We’re hugely grateful to the kind-hearted family who came to their aid and took them to a vet, ensuring they got the help they desperately needed as quickly as possible,” Inspector Boyd added. “We’d urge anyone who recognises these dogs or has information about how they came to be abandoned to get in touch.”
The discovery of Shaun, Dougal, and Wendy is part of a wider trend of animal abandonment in the UK. In 2023, the RSPCA received 20,999 calls regarding abandoned animals, with dogs accounting for 14,172 of those cases. These figures reflect an increase in abandonment incidents compared to the previous three years, also highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the charity in dealing with cases of neglect.
The RSPCA continues to remind the public that abandoning animals is not only cruel but illegal. The charity works tirelessly to ensure abandoned pets receive the care they need and is calling on anyone with information about this latest case to come forward.
How to Provide Information
The RSPCA’s York, Harrogate & District Branch is currently providing care for Shaun, Dougal, and Wendy as they recover from their ordeal. The charity is encouraging anyone who wishes to support the care of these dogs to donate via their website.
For those who may have information related to the abandonment of these dogs, the RSPCA asks that you contact their confidential appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference number 01357429.
