These pictures show the shocking neglect of three dogs, found after they were dumped in a crate in York.
Severely matted and described by vets as in an “appalling condition”, the terrier cross type dogs they were found by a member of the public on 21 September in a field off Holtby Lane.
It is believed they escaped from an empty crate which was found nearby.
The dogs were caught and taken to a vet, before being transferred to the RSPCA’s York, Harrogate & District Branch animal centre in Landing Lane.
All three adult dogs had heavily matted faeces-caked fur that had formed thick, hardened dreadlocks around their heads, tails and feet, leaving their faces almost completely obscured.
It took staff from the centre several hours to bathe and clip them.
Now named Shaun, Dougal and Wendy, the dogs are recovering from their ordeal and will continue to be cared for by the RSPCA branch before loving new homes are found for them.
Ruth McCabe, manager at the Landing Lane centre in York, said: “Considering what they’ve been through, these poor dogs are making good progress.
“Under the huge matted clumps of fur, three sweet characters have emerged and they have now been given a new lease of life.
“They were struggling to see and move properly, which must have been very uncomfortable and distressing for them.
“Now they’re enjoying running around again, something they’ve probably not been able to do for quite some time.”
RSPCA Inspector Beth Boyd is investigating what happened. She said: “It was heartbreaking to see the condition that Shaun, Dougal and Wendy were in.
“Given the severity of the matting, it’s likely these little dogs had been neglected for many months before being callously dumped in a crate and left for someone else to pick up the pieces.
“We’re hugely grateful to the kind-hearted family who came to their aid and took them to a vet, ensuring they got the help they desperately needed as quickly as possible.
“We’d urge anyone who recognises these dogs or has information about how they came to be abandoned, to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA’s appeal line, in confidence, on 0300 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 01357429.
The RSPCA received 20,999 calls about abandoned animals last year. Dogs were dumped most often, with 14,172 incidents reported to the charity.
If you would like to help the RSPCA’s York, Harrogate & District Branch care for Shaun, Dougal and Wendy, you can donate via their website.