Urgent appeal launched by RSPCA after two flea-ridden dogs dumped in Leeds playground and car park

An elderly poodle - who has been named Cynthia by vet staff -was found in a children’s playground on Burton Road, Hunslet at around 10.45am on Saturday morning, March 21.

A shih tzu - named Anna by staff - who has recently had puppies was found dumped in a Leeds car park last Tuesday, March 17.

She was found at Crown Point Shopping Centre, Kidacre Street, Holbeck between 5pm and 6pm.

RSPCA inspector Kris Walker said: “The poor girl (poodle) was cold and scared, laying down and shivering.

"The person who came across her wrapped her in a blanket and waited with her for us to arrive, for which we’re really grateful.

“I took her straight to a local vet practice, where staff have called her Cynthia.

"She was found to be underweight, matted and flea-ridden with dental issues.

"Unusually she had moss on her fur, which wasn’t present at the playground, and might be a clue to where she has been living.

“She’s a fawn colour and it’s thought she could be aged 12 to 14, so she is an old girl.

“As she wasn’t wearing a collar and tag or microchipped - as is now required by law - we don’t know who she belongs to at the moment. If anyone does recognise her please call me.”

Kris said they were hoping to find the owner of the shih tzu.

She added: “We’re hoping someone might have seen something that will help us to establish who her owner is.

“Again, she wasn’t wearing a collar and tag. She was microchipped to an address in Hull, and her name listed as Anna, but the phone numbers listed don’t work.

“She was absolutely petrified and on getting to the vets was found to be emaciated, her fur matted, dehydrated and suffering from anaemia. She needed to be put straight on a drip.

“She is still lactating so has had puppies recently, and of course I’m also very concerned for their wellbeing at this time.”

Anyone with information that could help either of these investigations should contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

To help the RSPCA to keep rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming though this challenging time, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/give or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.