Dying puppy found dumped behind bins at Birmingham supermarket
The RSPCA is appealing for information to track the "heartless" person behind the dog's injuries.
Last updated 11th Jan 2024
The RSPCA is appealing for information after a severely neglected and abused puppy was found behind a Tesco supermarket in Birmingham.
Vets think the dog, which was around six months old, was of a bull breed, but can't be certain because of the extent of its injuries.
He had suffered broken bones in his legs, neck, back, and ribs. He later died.
He was found inside a bin bag that had been left beside the bins behind the store on Church Road, Yardley at 1:30pm on Sunday 7 January.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer, Beccie Doherty, who is investigating, is appealing to the public for any information about the person responsible for allowing him to suffer before dumping him.
She said: “This poor dog was terrified and in pain, and covered in his own waste as he was unable to stand to go to the toilet.
“It's sickening that someone chose to treat an animal in this heartless way, and even more distressing to think they simply dumped him to die in a bag they decided to throw away.
“The people who found him kindly tried their best to make him comfortable. Sadly, he was barely alive when I arrived. He was completely emaciated, covered in mange, and had broken bones.
“I rushed him to RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital where vets and nurses tried everything to stabilise him but unfortunately he died on the table.
“I just hope someone will recognise him and help us track down those responsible for leaving him to die in a bag with such horrendous injuries and in such a neglected state.
“Anyone with information can contact me in complete confidence, by leaving me a message on our inspector’s appeal line number on 0300 123 8018.”
Animal abuse at three-year high
The discovery of the dog comes at a time when reports of animal neglect and abandonment are at a three-year high, prompting the charity to warn of an animal welfare crisis. In 2023, the RSPCA received 72,050 reports about animal abandonment and neglect - higher than in 2022, 2021, and 2020.
Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said: “For 200 years, the RSPCA has been working tirelessly to bring animals to safety and give them the expert treatment and compassion they deserve. We’ll continue to do so for as long as we’re needed but we can’t do that without the support of fellow animal lovers.
“The support of the public helps abused, neglected and abandoned animals in so many ways - from buying soft, warm bedding and nourishing food for an animal who’s desperately cold and hungry, to funding vital vet care for an animal who’s suffering and in pain.
"We’re asking animal lovers to join the winter rescue by donating to help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.”