RSPCA appeal for dog abandoned on Christmas Eve

RSPCA staff are trying to trace the owners who abandoned this dog (nicknamed Pudding) in Plymouth on Christmas Eve.

The rescued dog, whose coat was so matted and overgrown that he couldn’t even see, has been nicknamed Pudding by RSPCA inspector Sarah Morris who arrived at Rendle Street, in Plymouth, where he had been discovered tied up and left out in the cold and pouring rain.

His coat was in such a disgusting state that inspector Morris couldn’t even tell what type of dog he was.

“The state Pudding was in when I first saw him was so sad, but it also made me so angry that someone had neglected him so much already, just to dump him on Christmas Eve.

“He was soaking wet. We had torrential rain during the night and he had just been left out in it, tied up. I felt so sorry for this poor little chap.”

Inspector Morris arrived after Pudding was spotted at 6.30am on Christmas Eve by a member of the public who was arriving for work. They took Pudding in out of the rain and called the RSPCA.

“Pudding’s coat was so matted around his legs and face that he couldn’t see out of his right eye. His nails were overgrown and he was covered in fleas.

“I took him straight to a vet who gave him a body score of three-and-a-half out of 10, so he was very thin,” said inspector Morris.

Pudding was taken to the RSPCA’s Little Valley Animal Centre, near Exeter, where he is recovering.

He is thought to be a shih tzu cross type dog, aged approximately six or seven years old, although he wasn’t microchipped.

“It brought a tear to my eye when I was taking him to the animal centre. He must have been terrified, hungry and so uncomfortable, just left out in the dark, wind and rain,” added Inspector Morris.

Anyone with information about who dumped Pudding can leave a message for RSPCA inspector Sarah Morris by calling 0300 123 8018.

The RSPCA is a charity and we rely on public donations to exist. To assist our inspectors in carrying out their vital work please text HELP to 78866 to give £3 (Texts cost £3 + one standard network rate message).