A PUPPY with a gaping open wound on his neck is one of the latest victims of animal neglect is being cared for by the RSPCA this winter.

The black and white Cocker Spaniel working cocker spaniel, now named Guinness, is thought to only be a few months old but was found collapsed in Biggin Lane in Grays, on Sunday October 23 with one of the worst wounds the RSPCA inspector had seen in his life.

Guinness was rushed to RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital in London for emergency vet treatment.

Inspector Joe White said: “Poor Guinness was in such a bad way when we picked him up. He had a huge open and infected wound on his neck.

“It looks as though he had been left with a collar on that was far too small for him and it had gradually cut in to his neck.

“The wound was gaping and looked as though his collar had gone the whole way round his neck.”

“I could not believe it - it was one of the worst wounds I have seen in my whole time as an RSPCA inspector. It is so deep and looks extremely painful. I have seen some awful things but this one really hit me.

He added at least he is in the best place now and in safe hands getting the treatment that he needs.

Insp White said: “How anyone could neglect this poor puppy in this way and ignore such an awful wound that so obviously needed treatment is just beyond me.

“He is only around eight months old and so friendly and full of love despite everything he has been through. He didn’t even whimper when vets were treating him.

“At the moment we are trying to find his owner. He has a chip but the details are not up to date. On his chip he is simply known as Puppy Number 2. It is so very sad.”

Echo:

Anyone with information about what happened to Guinness is being urged to contact the Inspector Appeal Line on 0300 123 8018.

The shocking discovery of poor Guinness came within just days of today’s launch of the charity’s ‘Love Animals, Hate Cruelty’ campaign.

This aims to bring these issues to the attention of our animal-loving nation and remind people that amongst the celebrations in the build up to the festive season, a huge number of calls are being made to report neglect.