Dog abandoned and nearly strangled in Retford on Christmas Eve

The male Staffordshire bull terrier, named Patch because of distinctive markings over his left eye, was found by the entrance of a farm in Grove Lane, on the evening of 24th December.

He had sores behind his front legs where he had struggled to free himself from the lead which was so short that he was suffering from the early signs of strangulation.

Luckily for Patch, the owner of the farm spotted him and rang the RSPCA who came to the rescue.

RSPCA inspector Fran Whitten said: “The poor thing had been in a lot of pain and had clearly had quite a struggle to survive this ordeal.”

“His eyes were completely red - I have never seen anything like it - there was hardly any white to be seen at all. The injuries on his legs were clearly made from attempts to save himself from being strangled.”

“He was actually pretty lucky to be found when he was. He was tied up in such a rural place where hardly anyone passes - and at a time of year when there are even less people out and about than normal.”

“But apart from the injuries he was in good condition - muscular, a good weight and well-cared for. Plus he’s a lovely little thing, really friendly and affectionate as well as obedient and generally well behaved.”

“Who knows what the reasons were behind this lovely animal being abandoned in this way, but we would be keen to hear from anyone with any information.”

As well as the distinctive markings on Patch’s face, he is easily identifiable because he also has a retained testicle.

Anyone with any information should call 0300 123 8181 and quote reference 1424 of the 24/12/2012.

To help the RSPCA investigate cases like this text HELP to 78866 to give £3 (Text costs £3 plus one standard network rate message).