Appeal after Bruce the French Bulldog abandoned with horrific burns

An investigation has been launched after a French Bulldog was abandoned with horrific burns.

Bruce was taken into the RSPCA Preston branch after a woman said she found him dumped and shivering in a bush. He was rushed to the vets for emergency treatment for the painful burns across his back.

Vets believed he had suffered these around two to three weeks before, and they appeared to have been caused by scalding water. RSPCA inspectors want to find out whether he was burned intentionally.

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An investigation has now been launched by the animal charity, who want to talk to the woman who brought Bruce in, who they have been unable to get of, and whoever owns him. The eight-year-old dog was found on February 18 in a bush near a park in the Thorpe Lane area.

RSPCA inspector Emma Dingley said: "Bruce is a gorgeous dog but he has severe burns on his body which appear to have been caused by scalding water so I am keen to find out what has happened to him and if this was intentional harm I want to find the person responsible.

"I would urge the woman who brought Bruce into the branch to contact me as I think she may hold vital information. I am also keen to hear from anyone who recognises this dog and can help identify his owner to contact me."

Bruce's microchip was originally registered to an owner in Colne, but he was then rehomed three years ago to two women on a pet sales website. His chip was not updated.

After being found, Bruce was sedated so he could have his fur clipped and his infected wounds cleaned. He was given pain relief and still needs to have cream applied daily. He also has an old scar on his right hind leg from an older