Neglected dog who had just given birth found dead on Cheshire school playing field

A neglected female dog who had just given birth to puppies has been found dead on a school playing field. The RSPCA has launched an appeal for information after the emaciated mastiff was discovered at Malbank School in Nantwich on Tuesday.

The dog had been lactating which has sparked concerns that newborn puppies - without a mother - could now be in danger. RSPCA Inspector Caren Goodman-James said: "The poor dog was found by a man near a footpath and stile on the playing field of Malbank School in Nantwich.

"He was concerned that children might see it, so reported it to the school immediately. This discovery would have been distressing enough, but when a vet examined the dog at RSPCA Stapeley Grange animal centre, she was found to have been lactating, which means she recently gave birth.

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"She was a grey-coloured female mastiff-type dog, who was extremely emaciated with very long nails, which suggests she may have been neglected for some time. We fear she may also have been ‘over-bred’ and used as a puppy-producing machine for profit - but are keen to find out more."

The RSPCA has urged anyone with information to contact them immediately. Caren added: “As well as finding out what happened to her, we’re very concerned that there may be young puppies somewhere out there that now don’t have a mother to care for them and we’d like to find them urgently.

"If anyone has any first-hand knowledge about this dog or her owner, or the puppies, please contact us via the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018."

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