The RSPCA has launched an appeal for information after a severely emaciated dog was found abandoned in Ashford and later euthanised by vets because of the extent of his suffering
The dog was discovered by a member of the public on Sissinghurst Road, who was alarmed by his condition and took him directly to a local veterinary practice for urgent treatment.
Vets faced “extreme and prolonged suffering”
On examination vets found the dog to be in an advanced state of neglect and suffering. His health was so poor that there was no realistic prospect of recovery.
Animal Rescue Officer Becca Wilkie said: “Sadly, this poor dog was in a terrible state. He was severely emaciated, weighing only 10kg. He had a mass on his lower jaw, alopecia, very poor skin condition and was urinating blood.”
Officers believe the dog’s condition indicated long-term neglect rather than a sudden illness.
Appeal to trace the owner
The dog was found on 19 November and RSPCA officers have since carried out enquiries to try to establish who was responsible for him.
“We have been investigating to try to trace the person responsible, but so far have drawn a blank. We are now appealing to the public for information to trace his owner.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA’s appeal line in confidence on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01681608.
Neglect reports rise sharply across England and Wales
The appeal comes amid a sharp rise in reports of animal neglect.
New figures released by the charity show that up to the end of October 2025, the RSPCA’s emergency line received 73,294 reports of neglect across England and Wales – a 30% increase compared with the same period in 2024.
The charity says the figures highlight growing pressures on pet owners and increasing demand for frontline animal welfare services.
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Winter pressures and urgent fundraising appeal
The RSPCA has warned that winter is a particularly dangerous time for vulnerable animals, with cold weather and rising household costs increasing the risk of neglect.
In response, it has launched an urgent fundraising campaign, The Big Give Back to Animals, to help inspectors and rescue teams cope with the growing number of animals needing help.
Help available for struggling pet owners
The charity says many cases of neglect can be prevented if owners seek help early. It has set up a dedicated cost-of-living support hub to signpost assistance with vet care, feeding pets on a budget and finding local support.
The RSPCA also works with more than 200 Pet Food Bank Partnerships across the country to support owners who are struggling to afford pet food.
What to do if you find an abandoned animal
Anyone who finds a small pet they believe has been abandoned is advised to take it directly to a local vet or rescue centre. These teams can call on our expertise if there’s evidence that the animal has been neglected or abused. Guidance on safely handling and transporting animals is available on the RSPCA website. If you find a dog you believe has been abandoned, you should contact your local authority’s stray dog service. Further information can be found here
This article is based on a press release from MyBuilder, and edited by Kent and Surrey Bylines.
