The RSPCA has launched an urgent appeal, after a dead dog, which recently gave birth, was found on the playing fields of a Nantwich school last week.

The emaciated, female mastiff was left on playing fields at Malbank School & Sixth Form College, Welsh Row, on Tuesday 19 November.

Discovering the dog has been lactating, there are concerns she may have recently given birth to pups, which, without a mother, could now be in danger.

The dead dog was found by a man near a footpath and stile on Malbank School & Sixth Form College playing fields (RSPCA).

RSPCA inspector, Caren Goodman-James said: "The poor dog was found by a man near a footpath and stile on the playing field of Malbank School in Nantwich.

"He was concerned children might see it, so reported it to the school immediately. 

"This discovery would have been distressing enough, but when a vet examined the dog at RSPCA Stapeley Grange animal centre, she was found to have been lactating, which means she recently gave birth.

"She was a grey-coloured female mastiff-type dog, who was extremely emaciated with very long nails, which suggests she may have been neglected for some time.

"We fear she may also have been 'over-bred' and used as a puppy-producing machine for profit, but are keen to find out more."

The RSPCA has urged anyone with information to contact them immediately.

The RSPCA has urged anyone with information to contact them immediately on 0300 123 8018 (RSPCA).

Caren added: "As well as finding out what happened to her, we are very concerned that there may be young puppies somewhere out there that now don't have a mother to care for them and we'd like to find them urgently.

"If anyone has any first-hand knowledge about this dog or her owner, or the puppies, please contact us via the RSPCA's appeals line on 0300 123 8018."

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