A DESPERATE appeal has been made after a dog with a horrific ear infection was abandoned.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after the dog was found in Braintree.

The French bulldog, called Murphy, was found at Becker’s Green in Braintree on Tuesday, November 29.

The dog was taken to a vet, who contacted the RSPCA.

Murphy had a chronic infection in his left ear, which had been left untreated.

Braintree and Witham Times:

RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Caroline Richardson said: “Poor Murphy - my heart breaks for him to have been left with such a terrible ear infection, which would have been causing him so much pain and discomfort.

“His ear and face are in an absolutely awful state.

"I have never ever seen such a horrific infection in an ear, yet despite this he is still the sweetest, friendliest little boy.

“I’m glad that he is now receiving the treatment he so desperately needs and is being looked after by staff at the RSPCA Danaher Animal Home.

“Murphy is chipped, but the details on it are not up to date. Therefore I am doing what I can to find who the owner of Murphy is and I would urge anyone with information which can help my investigation to call me in confidence on  0300 123 8018."

Braintree and Witham Times:

She added: “Sadly, we’re starting to see the results of rising costs on pet owners.

"More animals are coming into our care, more animals are being abandoned, and fewer animals are being rehomed.

“This is why we have launched our Christmas appeal to help raise funds so we can keep rescuing and rehoming pets in need like these pups, and we are urging the public to support us.”

The RSPCA is pleading with people not to abandon their pets as the charity launches a Christmas campaign in response to rising concerns about neglect and abandonment.

The animal welfare charity has seen a 25 per cent rise in the number of abandoned animals being dealt with by its rescue teams this year, and a 13 per cent rise in neglect incidents.