Cat stuffed in rucksack with poorly Jack Russell terrier tethered to it abandoned close to north Derbyshire vets
An animal rescue officer is appealing for information after a dog and a cat were dumped close to a vet’s practice in north Derbyshire.
The abandoned animals were found by a member of the public on Broadleys, opposite Charlesworth Veterinary Surgery, in Clay Cross on September 3.
The black and white cat was stuffed inside a blue rucksack, and the Jack Russell terrier, which was in poor health, was tethered to it.
A large mass hung from the dog’s abdomen, she was infested with fleas, had cloudy eyes, baldness around her back end and overgrown nails. She was also extremely underweight, with a body condition score of one out of nine – a healthy dog should score four or five. She was identified as Angel by her microchip which had no other information on it.
The cat, which was not microchipped, showed no signs of obvious injury but was very nervous and withdrawn.
Both were taken to the RSPCA’s Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Branch and the charity is keen to speak to anyone who might have information about the abandonment of the animals.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Ben Massey said: “Angel in particular was found in a very concerning condition, with a large mass hanging from her abdomen which was weeping and appeared to be infected.
“Despite this, she was bright and alert, and thankfully we were able to get her the urgent veterinary treatment she needed.
“It’s incredibly worrying that these two animals were just dumped outside with no food, water or shelter, especially with Angel in such poor health.”
The RSPCA understands that a woman may have taken the animals to a local veterinary practice on the morning of Thursday, September 3 asking for them to be rehomed, but the practice was unable to take them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the charity’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 01896207.
Angel was prescribed antibiotics for her infection and underwent surgery on September 8 to remove the mass - and she is now recovering well.
Once both animals are fully recovered from their ordeal, they will be available for rehoming.
The RSPCA launched a dedicated cost of living hub to signpost help available for owners and the charity also has more than 200 Pet Food Bank Partnerships across the country.