Dog found by Keighley church could have leg amputated (From Keighley News)

Dog found by Keighley church could have leg amputated

12:00pm Friday 1st March 2013 in News By Chris Young

A dog found collapsed and near to death in a Keighley churchyard may need to have a leg amputated.

Bobby, the name given to her by the RSPCA, is now being gradually nursed back to health, but faces a long road to recovery after being found in a terrible state late last week.

The animal welfare charity is now appealing for information about where the animal came from and how she got to be in such a poor physical condition.

They fear whoever was responsible may have other animals in their care.

Bobby was found in the churchyard of Keighley New Church at 7pm last Thursday by Braithwaite resident Shelley Hudson and her family, who were walking past the church and heard howls of pain.

When they went to investigate, they found the young dog with a rusty chain wrapped around her neck, her fur covered in faeces and with a recently broken front leg. She was also dangerously emaciated.

The family took her to Aireworth Vets, and she is now being treated by the RSPCA.

The charity is looking into whether Bobby – a cross breed no older than three – was a victim of animal cruelty, and urge anyone who might have information about her previous owner to get in touch.

Officer Charlotte Booker said: “She was in extremely poor body condition, had a broken front right leg and was matted with faeces and dirt – it’s likely her leg will need to be amputated.

“She had a metal rusty choke chain around her neck and has white markings under her neck and belly.

“When she was found, she was howling and must have been in an extreme amount of pain. We just need information about the owner. It appears she was kept in a kennel and not a house. The broken leg looks like a recent injury, and apart from that her weight would be having an effect on her health.”

Mrs Hudson, 42, said: “We heard the howling and followed it into the churchyard.

“We found her behind the railings of the church. She looked really thin, like she hadn’t been fed in months. She had a really rusty collar on that was too small for her.

“It looks like someone hasn’t wanted to feed her anymore and just chucked her away. I think she had definitely been dumped.

“When we gave her some attention she was happy enough and was wagging her tail.”

Insp Booker added: “If anybody knows of who owns her or how she ended up in such a state, please contact me. This can be done anonymously on 0300 1234999.”