RSPCA inspectors are investigating after a dog was found dumped with a severely infected ear in Somerset.

The French bulldog, who has been named Furby by the team caring for her, was taken to St Giles Animal Centre, in Wrantage, after he was discovered straying in Greystone Lane, Buckland St Mary, on March 18.

The team at the rescue centre and kennels contacted the RSPCA after he was found to be underweight and suffering from a severe ear infection.

Somerset County Gazette:

RSPCA inspector Simon Coombes, who is investigating, said: “This poor dog must’ve been in so much pain with this infection when he was found.

“We’re not sure where he’s come from but fear he may have been abandoned which is a heartless thing to do especially as he was in desperate need of veterinary care.”

Sadly, he is the second abandoned dog found in the county. A lurcher named Lacie, was discovered on March 17, cowering in bushes in Middlezoy.

Off duty RSPCA officer Ali Sparkes was alerted to the distressed dog at 9.20pm after a neighbour reported seeing her.

Ali said: “She was so frightened she wouldn’t come out or even look at me and she was really shivering.

"I took her to the vet who noticed a lump on her head, caused by a blunt object.

“She had minor cuts on her ears and a larger healing wound on her back.

"She was also severely underweight. She also had pressure sores from sleeping with no bedding.”

While the charity do not believe the two dogs are connected, they are keen to find out more about how the dogs came to be alone without the care they needed.

Simon added: “We would like to hear from anyone who has seen either of these dogs before, and if they may know where they have come from and urge anyone who has any information to contact us on our Inspectorate Appeal Line 0300 123 8018.”

“Both Furby and Lacie are doing well since they were rescued and are on the mend doing well, although this could’ve been a very different ending if they hadn't been found and given the care they desperately needed.”