Neglected dog rescued from home after owner died

By Freddie Noble via SWNS

A dog was rescued from a house covered in feces and matted fur - after his owner passed away.

The nine-year-old West Highland Terrier, called Rocky was found in a house in Worcestershire, on August 1, 2024, and brought to The Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home.

His once white fur had formed an impenetrable matt, tangled with dirt and feces, leaving his skin red, inflamed, and painfully sore.

His legs and face were matted with waste and he was rushed to the vet for urgent care.

The vet said that Rocky had severe inflammation of his ears and skin, matting so dense it required sedation to remove, overgrown nails, and restricted movement in his hindlimbs.

Rocky is still recovering and requires regular medicated baths to soothe his inflamed skin, and his hind legs are undergoing further investigation.

He will also need a dental procedure to address the plaque build-up and undergo neutering.

Richard Carr, an RSPCA Inspector, said: “It’s great to see Rocky looking transformed thanks to the team caring for him at the Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home.

"As a charity, the RSPCA works tirelessly to help animals suffering from cruelty and neglect and we’re all so proud of the work done by the teams at branches and centres to give those animals the second chance they deserve.”

The Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home are appealing for donations to help them pay for Rocky's treatment.