The RSPCA is investigating after a skinny, sick puppy was left on the doorstep of a veterinary surgery in London.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Caitlin Farrant was called by staff at the clinic on Friday (18 June) after a man left the three-month-old whippet puppy with staff on the doorstep.
She said: “At around 10.15am-10.30am a man who staff describe as caucasian, English and medium build, around 5’10”-6′ tall and aged in his 40s or 50s arrived at the Zasman Vets in Crouch End.
“He handed the puppy over to a veterinary nurse at the door and said he had to pop back to his car to get a mask but never returned.
“The puppy was inside a metal crate and was very skinny and dehydrated. Vets carried out a check-up and ran multiple tests on the weak little whippet and found he was suffering from parvovirus and hemorrhagic diarrhoea.”
Parvovirus is a highly infectious disease in which the virus attacks cells in the dog’s intestines and stops them being able to absorb the vital nutrients they need. It quickly causes them to become weak and can prove fatal, particularly in puppies. Hemorrhagic diarrhoea can come on suddenly and causes vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
“This poor little baby was incredibly sick and vets felt his recovery was unlikely so they made the heartbreaking decision to put him to sleep to prevent any further suffering and then contacted us to report the incident,” Caitlin said.
“We believe the man who left him at the surgery was his owner and we’d like to speak to him about how the puppy came to be so ill.”
The puppy wasn’t microchipped, wasn’t wearing a collar and ID tag, and wasn’t registered with the vet practice.
“Anyone who recognises this pup or who thinks they know someone who matches the description should contact us on 0300 123 8018 to help us with our enquiries.”
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals and investigating reports of cruelty please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.
