An abandoned dog found "caked in faeces and urine" on a road in Crewe has been given a new lease a life - thanks to support and treatment from the RSPCA.

On Tuesday 2 May, Larry, a little poodle/Maltese type dog, was found abandoned by a member of the public on Bradfield Road.

The elderly dog, estimated around 13 years old, had difficulty walking with his coat severely matted.

Larry, estimated around 13 years old, had difficulty walking with his coat severely matted (RSPCA).

His heavily matted fur was caked in faeces and urine and had formed thick, hardened dreadlocks around his head, tail and feet - leaving his face almost completely obscured.

Larry was taken to the RSPCA's Stapeley Grange Wildlife Hospital & Cattery, Nantwich by the kind member of the public who found him.

The pooch was later transferred to the charity's Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where vets sedated him - shaving off almost 2kg of stinking fur.

Larry is now receiving ongoing care and some much-needed TLC at the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester branch animal home, Wallasey.

Centre manager Kay Hawthorn, who is currently fostering Larry, said: "His transformation has been incredible.

Larry is now receiving ongoing care and some much-needed TLC at the RSPCA's Wirral & Chester branch animal home, Wallasey (RSPCA).

"Under the huge matted clumps of fur, a sweet and gentle dog has emerged who's been given a new lease of life.

"He was struggling to get around properly and it must have been so uncomfortable for him.

"Now he's enjoying running around again - something he's probably not been able to do for a long time - and given his advancing years, he's surprisingly sprightly. 

"He's still a little hand shy and winces if you suddenly get too close, but if you take it very slowly and go under his chin he really enjoys a good fuss.

Larry had almost 2kg of stinking fur shaved off (RSPCA).

"Even though his weight was fine, given the state he was in, I can't see he's had much affection in recent months, but he's quite a sociable little character and gets on well with my other rescue dogs.

"Larry still needs some dental work done as his teeth are in a very poor state but for now he's enjoying getting lots of attention from all the staff and volunteers here."

The RSPCA is investigating Larry's case and is appealing to anyone who recognises the dog to come forward.

RSPCA inspector, Louise Showering said: "Larry was in an appalling condition, his coat looked like a pile of dirty old rags and it's likely he'd been neglected for a prolonged period of time.

The RSPCA is investigating Larry's case and is appealing to anyone who recognises the dog to come forward (RSPCA).

"We think he was probably abandoned, or deliberately left to stray. 

"His condition would have been of concern to anyone who saw him, and we're very thankful to the member of the public who so kindly stopped and made sure he got the help he desperately needed."

Cases of animal abandonment like Larry's continues to rise.

In April alone, the RSPCA received 1,508 reports to its emergency line about an animal being abandoned.

Cases of animal abandonment like Larry's continues to rise (RSPCA).

That compares with 1,370 incidents for the same month last year, a rise of 9.6 per cent.

Anyone who recognises Larry or has information about him is urged to call the RSPCA's appeals line on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference 1065689. 

READ MORE: Crewe barber shop fined by government for using illegal workers.

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