Puppy in 'dreadful state' found cruelly dumped on the Rochdale Canal

The RSPCA has released distressing images of a bald and bleeding female puppy, believed to have been cruelly dumped along the Rochdale Canal in Oldham. The young Cane Corso was found suffering from an advanced skin condition that had ravaged her face and front legs, leading to extensive hair loss and scabs.

A passer-by discovered her roaming free by the canal near Chadderton Hall Park on January 17 and took her in. The local dog warden was alerted and she was taken to Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Home, where she was given the name Pearla.

At approximately 14 to 16 weeks old, the puppy was neither microchipped nor wearing a collar. She is currently under the care of the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, receiving treatment for bilateral entropion, which causes irritation as the eyelids fold inward.

RSPCA Inspector Jess Pierce, who has been carrying out enquiries and checking possible CCTV in the local area, said: “It’s really upsetting to see such a young dog like Pearla in this condition.

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“She was in a dreadful state and would have been feeling very uncomfortable from what appears to be a long-standing, untreated skin condition. Her head and front legs were bald and bleeding and covered in painful sores and scabs where she’d been itching and scratching herself.

“She needed urgent veterinary treatment and we’re grateful to the person who found her, the dog warden and the team at Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Home for all their help.

“The vet has diagnosed demodex mange, which is treatable, but it can take a long time for dogs to recover because it affects their immune system, so she’ll be having medicated baths, antibiotics and other