Dog with untreated tumours left to die in Hull coal shed
She was found on Valentine's Day at a derelict house in Middlesex Road
The RSPCA has launched an investigation after a dog with untreated tumours was abandoned and left to die in the coal shed of a derelict house in Hull.
The animal welfare charity was contacted on Valentine’s Day (Tuesday 14 February) by a woman who heard the Rottweiler scratching and trying to get out of the building in Middlesex Road.
RSPCA inspector David Milborrow said: “A woman had heard the dog but couldn’t see her because she’d been barricaded inside a tiny coal shed that was built onto the side of a derelict house.
“We don’t know how long she’d been locked in that tiny, cramped room but the houses in this area have been boarded up for some time so it’s lucky that someone passed by and heard her cries.
“The space was just 3ft-sq and the dog had been shut inside in total darkness. She must have been terrified.
“There was no water, no food and no bedding in the space. As soon as I opened the door she rushed out, she was desperate to get out of there and she was soon sat on my lap enjoying some fuss.”
The nine-year-old dog - now named ‘Cassie’ - was removed by officers from Humberside Police and placed into RSPCA care. She was taken to a local vet where she was found to have two large lumps that will need to be surgically removed. One was a large mammary tumour - the size of a grapefruit - and the other lump, on her shoulder, was open and bleeding.
“She’s an older dog with some medical problems so it seems as though her owner has dumped her in this coal shed and left her to die a slow, horrible death,” inspector Milborrow explained.
“Cassie was microchipped so we’ve followed up those lines of enquiry but, so far, haven’t had any luck, so I’d also like to hear from anyone who may recognise her or anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area where she was abandoned.
“Anyone who may be able to assist our investigation can get in touch by calling our inspector appeal line 0300 123 8018.”
Cassie is now being cared for at the RSPCA centre in Hull and is due to have surgery next week.
“She’s a lovely-natured dog and has been so good at the vets. I really hope she recovers well after the surgery and, if her owner can’t be traced, I’m sure we can find her a wonderful new home where she’ll be treated the way she deserves,” inspector Milborrow added.
Anyone who spots an animal in distress or wants to report animal cruelty or abandonment should call the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.