An abandoned dog had fur so matted she could only be groomed under sedation.
Pepper the Shih Tzu was found tied under a bush in a recreation ground in Liverpool on July 12 and brought to a vet.
RSPCA inspector Nadine Pengilly said the dog was in ‘such a state’ when she arrived.
‘She was extremely matted – we believe she hasn’t been groomed for about two years.
‘The only way the vets could remove all the fur was by putting her under anaesthetic.
‘Underneath her fur her skin was red raw, she was clearly very uncomfortable and suffering.’
After being groomed, Pepper was moved to an RSPCA branch, where she is making a good recovery.
Nadine said: ‘It is shocking that Pepper ever got into this condition in the first place. Someone must know who owned her.
‘We followed up the details on her microchip – which is how we know her name – but sadly we haven’t been able to find out who owned her as the contact details aren’t up to date.
‘After her shave, she looks like a new dog and is a lot more comfortable. It is just sad that she has gone through so much.’
Dozens of dogs and puppies were found at a house in Fochriw after it was raided by the RSPCA last March.
The house was filthy, with floors covered in dog faeces and urine, with very little water, light, or fresh air for the dogs.
Thankfully they have all been adopted and cared for by new, caring and loving owners.
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