Six-week-old puppy with deformed paw rescued after being abandoned in Ashton park

A six-week-old puppy with a deformed paw has been rescued by the RSPCA after being abandoned in a park in Ashton.

The Patterdale Terrier was discovered by a woman who heard a rustling noise coming from a box in Cedar Park, off Queen’s Road, on Saturday November 7.

She found the puppy sitting in a cardboard box with no food or water.

Thankfully she took the dog home before handing him over to the RSPCA, who named him Keith.

RSPCA Inspector Ryan King is now investigating that case and is keen to trace the person responsible for abandoning the pet.

He believes the puppy may have belonged to a breeder who dumped him because of his deformed paw, which means he struggles to bare weight on the leg.

Ryan said: “The poor helpless puppy must have been terrified after he was left alone in unfamiliar territory and without his mum.

“He had no food and water and if he was not found by this member of the public he could easily have died.

“To dump a helpless puppy in this way is callous and cruel and I believe someone has bred a litter of pups and decided to abandon this one because they notice he had a deformed paw and decided they would not be able to make any money from him.

“I am hoping someone will know who this puppy belonged to and can provide me with that information.

“Someone may have been to view a litter of puppies and may have seen this dog as he is quite distinctive.

“I would urge anyone with information to call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.”

Keith is now in foster care with Ryan’s colleague Jess and is doing well. Ryan added: “He is such a sweet dog he is adorable and he has settled well with Jess.

“We are not sure how he will be with his paw until he is older. He may be able to adapt to life with it or it may have to be amputated at some stage we don't know.

“I am just so glad he is getting the love care he deserves after an awful start in his life.”