Dog abandoned with bite marks and cropped ears

The RSPCA believed the dog had been deliberately abandoned

A severely-thin pocket bully dog was found abandoned with cropped ears and bite marks.

The young brown-coloured dog, named as Moana, was found by a member of the public on Thursday in the Moor Nook area of Preston.

The RSPCA has asked for anyone who recognises the animal to come forward.

In 2023, the charity says it received 20,999 reports of abandoned pets - the highest number in more than three years.

The charity said the animal was found in a "very vulnerable condition"

Staff believe the dog was deliberately abandoned.

The animal weighed 2st 6lb (16.8kg) when she was taken to the charity in Ribbleton.

She had "bite marks around her rear end and had grazed her tail and thigh", the RSPCA said.

Her ears had also been cropped, the charity said. This is an illegal procedure in England and Wales.

The charity added this was also a painful procedure, which could cause long-term harm.

She was not microchipped so her owner could not be traced

'Upsetting sight'

Centre Manager Asleigh Kay said: “Moana was in a very vulnerable condition when she was brought into us, she was clearly malnourished and very hungry, it was an upsetting sight".

Staff at the centre have followed a "careful feeding plan" and said she was making "good progress and getting lots of fuss and attention".

The charity said they were "hopeful" she would make a full recovery and would find a "new loving home".