Four dogs found in squalid conditions at Whitby property start search for new homes

Moss, Paul, Snowy and Patch have been receiving extensive care and rehabilitation at the RSPCA’s York, Harrogate & District Branch after they were found living in extremely poor conditions following the death of their owner.

Ten other dogs rescued with them are also being looked after at the branch’s rehoming centre at Landing Lane in York where staff say their recovery has been “heartwarming” to watch.

RSPCA officers attended the incident last month after being alerted by the police and described conditions at the property as “extremely challenging.”

Many of the dogs were emaciated and had matted coats covered in faeces and urine.

Four of them were hospitalised overnight.

Seventeen birds, including finches, parrots and budgerigars, were also found at the house and are now being cared for at a specialist private facility on behalf of the RSPCA.

A fundraising appeal set up by the RSPCA’s York branch to help pay for the dogs’ significant veterinary costs and ongoing care has so far raised more than £1,500 thanks to generous supporters.

Animal Centre Manager Ruth McCabe, said: “We’ve found it so heartwarming looking after these dogs.

"They were so shut down, underweight, and completely bewildered by what was happening to them, but we could also see the relief that they had finally been rescued and were safe.

“Watching them improve and grow stronger in our care has been truly incredible.

"We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated to the appeal, as some of the dogs have needed medical treatment and procedures which can be expensive.

“We’re so pleased that four of them are ready to begin their adoption journeys where they will be shown what it means to be loved and cared for.”

The four dogs who are ready to find new homes are Moss, a two-year-old Cocker Spaniel.

Described by staff as a very sweet-natured boy, he is beginning to understand that life can be fun and exciting - but it all has to be done at his own pace.

Black and white Border Collie Patch, who is about two-and-a-half years old, is thought to have never worn a collar or been walked on a lead but has come on in leaps and bounds at the animal centre.

He is beginning to enjoy off-site walks and explore the outside world but he is still learning, so adopters will need to be understanding of his needs and support him in new situations.

Patch is very sociable with other dogs but would prefer a female canine companion for company in his new home.

He can live with children aged 14 years and above and will need someone with him for most of the day at first.

Paul, a four-year-old brown and white Border Collie is described by centre staff as extremely intelligent and has already shown a willingness to learn new things. He loves toys and would play all day long if he could, although his exercise continues to be monitored as he was emaciated on arrival and is still building his weight back up.

White Lurcher Snowy, who is around 16-months-old, will also need patient and understanding owners who will help him make up for lost time.

Like Paul, he can be unsure of new things and will need someone at home most of the time while he adjusts to his new surroundings.

Snowy loves cuddles and will make a wonderful family pet.