Dog found dumped with emotional note from owner

Close up of Spud's face looking at the camera as he is held by an RSPCA officerImage source, RSPCA
Image caption,

Spud was found in a cage in a field in Frankby, Wirral

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A dog was found abandoned in cage with a note from its owner saying "sorry for resorting to this".

The Staffordshire bull terrier cross, believed to be four or five years old, was found abandoned in a field in Frankby, Wirral, with a hand-written letter saying it had not been out of the house for a year.

The pet, named Spud, was found with long claws that were growing into his pads, some fur loss and a low weight, the RSPCA said.

The RSPCA urged people to seek help and advice from the charity if they were struggling to look after their pets.

Spud has dark grey and white fur and a read and white collar and lead. It has long overgrown claws and is sitting on a tiled floor. Image source, RSPCA
Image caption,

The dog had overgrown claws from not being walked

A handwritten note left with the dog reads: "Spud. Got this dog a year ago from a friend of a friend. His names Spud. He's a really loving house dog. I've been unable to train him since I've had him in my care. He won't walk on the lead or go down stairs so he's been living in the house for a year. He hasn't has the exercise or training he needs. I'm unable to give him the life he deserves. I've tried rehoming Spud for weeks with no luck. Really am sorry for resorting to this."
Image caption,

A note from the owner said "I'm unable to give him the life he deserves"

"Being on his own in a crate in an unfamiliar environment would have been a distressing experience for Spud, and it's heart-breaking to think of him being left to fend for himself," animal rescue officer Lucy Welch said.

"It was a remote location and we could be looking at any number of possible scenarios had he not been found.

"We'd plead with people to seek help and advice from appropriate organisations if they are experiencing difficulties and not to abandon their pets in vulnerable situations like this."

A pink metal crate with a scrunched up puppy pad liner.Image source, RSPCA
Image caption,

Spud was found dumped in a cage by a member of the public

The letter left with Spud described the dog as a "really loving house dog", adding his owners had been unable to "give him the life he deserves".

The letter said the owners had been trying to rehome the pet "for weeks" with no success, adding: "Really am sorry for resorting to this."

Spud was taken to a local rescue charity and then to the RSPCA's Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for treatment.

Ms Welch described the dog as a "lovely, gentle natured dog" and said abandoning an animal like this was "never acceptable".

Spud is now being fostered by a veterinary nurse and the charity is appealing to anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

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