Animal Shelter Rescues 'Emancipated' Dog That Was 'Found Abandoned in a Ditch'

Animal Shelter Rescues 'Emancipated' Dog That Was 'Found Abandoned in a Ditch' https://ift.tt/mkSEA3R

"I cannot understand how anyone could allow this to happen" one rescue worker said

RSPCA

Peanut the Dog

An emaciated dog is getting a second chance at life after being rescued by a U.K. shelter on New Year’s Day.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) posted about the dog — 3-year-old Peanut — on their Facebook page on Friday, Jan. 10.

“Peanut is the skinniest dog that our animal rescuer has ever seen alive, after she was found abandoned in a ditch,” the shelter wrote.

The organization detailed that a “compassionate member of the public acted quickly” and took Peanut to a local vet for urgent care, before she ultimately landed at the rescue’s Block Fen Animal Centre.

RSPCA

Peanut the dog

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Kennel supervisor Tiffany Saunders said Peanut was initially "lifeless" but was improving daily while speaking to the BBC.

"She's certainly feeling much better though and it is really lovely to see her tail wag," she added.

Saunders continued: "Her weight gain is understandably a bit of a slow process as she was incredibly emaciated, so we are needing to introduce her food in small regular meals. She is under the care of a vet and the plan is to continue to build her weight back up.”

The kennel worker also explained that Peanut has a “great appetite,” which indicates her current low weight is likely due to neglect and not a pre-existing health condition.

She also shared that Peanut was found with visible sores on her legs from resting on hard surfaces.

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David Allen, an RSPCA animal rescue officer, also spoke to the BBC, stating, “She's the thinnest dog I have ever seen and I cannot understand how anyone could allow this to happen.”

RSPCA

Peanut the dog

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While Peanut is microchipped, the shelter said it appears as though her original owners sold her when she was about 6 months old. They added that there are no further records about her most recent owner, or who is responsible for her neglect.

The RSPCA said that Peanut was just one of 44 abandoned animals that they were alerted to on New Year’s Day. Additionally, there were 846 abandoned animal incidents reported to their rescue between Dec. 18 and Dec. 24, per the BBC.

Those interested in aiding the RSPCA as they continue to help dogs like Peanut and other animals in need can do so by donating here.