RSPCA appeal over dog found abandoned on Yorkshire moor

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a neglected dog was found abandoned on a West Yorkshire moor.

The Japanese akita-type dog, an un-neutered male thought to be aged between four and six years old, was spotted by a member of the public who was walking his dogs on Rishworth Moor, Rishworth, Sowerby Bridge.

The dog's fur was coming out in clumps and he had extremely long nails which were affecting his ability to walk.

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RSPCA inspector Lyndsey Taylor said: "This poor dog was in a sorry state. I've never seen nails so overgrown, it would have taken months for them to get like that. They were bleeding and obviously very sore. It would seem he was simply left on the moor by his owner.

"The member of the public who found him was able to describe a man seen at the scene who we believe may have abandoned him."

The man is described as six feet tall, stocky with light brown hair. It is thought he was aged early to mid-20s.

He was wearing jeans and a T-shirt and driving an old red car. The car was seen reversing up the lane leading to Green Withens Reservoir, about 100 yards from where the dog was found.

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Insp Taylor said: "The member of the public who found this dog went above and beyond to help him. He got his own dogs collected from the moor then spent two hours slowly coaxing him until he managed to get a slip lead over his head and get him into his vehicle where he built a ramp for the dog to get in.

"The dog was aggressive and the member of the public was bitten in his efforts to help. He tried to bite the vet and vet nurses and had to be sedated in order to be examined. Unfortunately he had to be put to sleep as his behaviour meant he posed too great a risk to be handled, boarded and ultimately re-homed."

The dog, which was found at 7.30am on August 1, was not wearing a collar and ID tag and was not microchipped.

Anyone who thinks they can help should call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999 and ask to leave a message for Insp Taylor.