A dog that hadn’t been groomed in three years and was in such a horrific state when rescued that vets thought they’d have to amputate his leg has finally found a home.
Oscar’s owner, Jayne Constable of Liverpool, has been given an 18-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months.
When rescued, the Shih Tzu had sores across his body and had been scalded with urine.
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His coat was also so tightly matted that circulation was cut off to one of his back legs.
Thankfully, veterinary intervention meant the leg could be saved, as reported by Need To Know.
He was discovered by RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Hana Yen, who visited Constable’s house in Highbank Drive, on 11 December last year, following concerns about a matted dog.
At a sentencing hearing at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (7 Aug), his previous owner was given her sentence.
In Yen’s written evidence to the court, the officer said: “I saw a cream coloured male Shih Tzu-type dog called Oscar who was bright and alert.
“He had severe matting on his legs.
“The fur around the body was uneven in length and appeared to have been shaved.
“The matts were stained with urine.
“Ms Constable agreed to let me take Oscar for a veterinary assessment and a de-matt.”
In an extract from a statement, the vet who examined him told the court: “The matts on Oscar’s limbs were very tight.
“The skin on all feet appeared very red and inflamed.
“Severe urine odour was present and urine scalding was identified.
“All nails were severely overgrown and deformed.
“The left hind foot was swollen due to tight matting and an open infected wound was present on the hock area.”
She also told the court: “In my professional opinion, the dog was suffering due to the owner’s failure to provide appropriate coat care, which resulted in severe matting.”
Constable was also ordered to pay costs of £500 and a victim surcharge of £154, and is disqualified from keeping animals for eight years.
She reportedly said she couldn’t afford to take Oscar back to the vet to be groomed due to being out of work.
Constable pleaded guilty to one Animal Welfare Act offence at an earlier hearing.
Oscar was taken to RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for medical treatment.
He is currently recovering in foster care and is said to be doing well.
A forever home has already been lined up for him.
“We would always urge people to seek help and advice or consider signing their pet over for rehoming if their circumstances change, rather than letting things escalate to the extent we saw here,” said an RSPCA spokesperson.
Oscar is expected to make a full recovery and begin a new chapter with a loving family.
Photos of his incredible transformation were shared online.
Social media users were quick to comment on the heartbreaking story.
“Go have a wonderful life little one,” said one person.
Someone else added: “Such a brave boy I hope your on your way to best life ever.”
“Looks much better, awww poor boy,” added another person.
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