RSPCA Investigation in Watford

Living Magazines Maggie

The RSPCA is investigating after a terrier was handed into a vet practice covered in bite wounds and with one rotten leg ‘hanging off’.

Eight-year-old Maggie was transferred to RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre on 11 August after being handed into a private vet practice in Watford, Hertfordshire, in a terrible condition.

RSPCA inspector Mel Fisher, who is now investigating, said: ‘Maggie was handed into a vet surgery by someone who left false details. She is microchipped but the registered details lead to a Wales address where no one seems to know who she is.’

When staff at the centre initially examined Maggie – believed to be a border terrier cross Staffordshire bull terrier – they suspected she’d been in an altercation with another dog. She couldn’t stand and was extremely sick.

Sally Jones, manager at Block Fen in Cambridgeshire, said: ‘Poor Maggie was covered in bite wounds and, most upsettingly, her front right leg was rotten and barely attached to her body; it was practically hanging off.

‘Her wounds had straw in them and were badly infected. Her whole body was hot, swollen and bruised. It was a hot day and the smell was absolutely overwhelming. It’s the worst smell I’ve ever come across in my 20-year career at the RSPCA.

‘It is beyond my comprehension how anyone could allow a living creature to get into the mess that poor Maggie was in and, I have to say, she was in such a bad way I was stunned when our vet team said they thought they could save her life.’

It was touch and go for the little dog. Her leg was amputated and she was given medication to help her fight the infection.

‘It has been a complicated process but, throughout all of this, Maggie hasn’t once complained,’ Sally added. ‘She’s clearly a little fighter. She has tolerated dressing changes and other veterinary procedures and has been a joy to care for throughout.

‘The day she first got up onto her legs by herself was fantastic, we were so excited. She has overcome so much and is adjusting to life with three legs really well. She wags her tail to greet people and really loves a belly rub and a fuss!’

Maggie will stay at Block Fen for some time while she recovers and the RSPCA investigates what happened to her.

Mel, who is looking into Maggie’s background, said: ‘We’d appeal to anyone who may recognise little Maggie or who knows where she’s come from or who is responsible for allowing her to get into such a state to contact us by calling our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.’

Block Fen is appealing for donations to help towards the cost of Maggie’s care. To support the centre, please visit the centre JustGiving page.

Maggie isn’t yet ready for rehoming. Please do not contact the centre to ask about Maggie as you could prevent an emergency call from getting through.

To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals and continue vital work, please donate whatever you can spare at www.rspca.org.uk/covid.