VIDEO: Leeds dog which suffered 'worst case of neglect in 30 years' looking for new home

A dog who was so badly neglected his leg was fused to his ear and his skin was pulled off from around his eyes is now fighting fit and in need of a loving home.

Staff at Dogs Trust Leeds were horrified when the stray, who they called Soldier when they realised he was a ‘little fighter’, was carried into the centre.

The Lhasa Apso had been found unable to walk on the streets of Leeds and was brought to the rehoming centre by the dog warden.

Amanda Sands, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Leeds, said: “This is the worst case of neglect I have had the misfortune of seeing in my 30 years of working here.

“He was unrecognisable as a dog or living being. It was so distressing; he must have been in considerable pain. Nothing prepares you for seeing something like this.”

He was immediately rushed to the vet where he had to be anaesthetised to have his matted fur completely shaved off.

Following treatment for his damaged skin and eyes, he was fostered by one of Dog Trust’s foster carers.

Soldier is now looking for a quiet adult only home with patient owners.

Amanda said: “His eyesight has been damaged but is improving and he is of course a lot happier now, not least because he can walk after the removal of his fur.

“Understandably he can be a little anxious and at the moment is scared of doors being shut and being in a room on his own, but other than that he is doing really well and deserves to find a wonderful home.”

If you think you could give Soldier the loving home he deserves, please call the centre on 0300 303 0292.