Dogs abandoned in field off Holtby Lane rescued by RSCPA

The RSPCA believes the terrier cross type dogs escaped from a crate which was found empty near them in the field off Holtby Lane, off the A64 near Stockton on the Forest.

A member of the public spotted them on Saturday, September 21, then, with the help of a family member, caught the dogs and transferred them to the RSPCA’s York, Harrogate and District Branch animal centre in Landing Lane.

“They were in such an appalling condition that at first it was difficult to tell what breed they were,” a RSPCA spokesperson said.

“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.”

One of the dogs with dreadlocks around its head after being abandoned (Image: RSPCA) 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 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. 

One of the dogs when it was taken into the care of the RSPCA (Image: RSPCA) “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.”

'Heartbreaking' to see condition dogs were in

RSPCA inspector Beth Boyd, who is investigating the incident, added: “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.”

The dogs after being cared for by the RSPCA (Image: RSPCA) She urged anyone who recognises the dogs or has information about how they came to be abandoned to get in touch. The RSPCA said this can be done in confidence on its appeal line 0300 0300 123 8018, quoting reference number 01357429.

The RSPCA said it received 20,999 calls about abandoned animals last year, more than in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Dogs were dumped most often, with 14,172 incidents reported to the charity.

To help the RSPCA’s York, Harrogate & District Branch care for Shaun, Dougal and Wendy, you can donate via its website.