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THE RSPCA is on the hunt for the owner of a starving dog that was found in Eaglehawk.
The female dog is in such poor condition that animal welfare workers are unsure what breed she is, how old she is or if she will pull through.
Bendigo RSPCA inspector Amy Benham said the dog weighed just over 11 kilograms.
“She probably should weigh close to 30 kilograms,” Ms Benham said.
The dog was picked up as a stray by the Lost Dogs Home at 2am on Friday.
She was found near Neangar Court in Eaglehawk.
The RSPCA is appealing for information from the public and for the owner of the dog to come forward.
“This dog’s fighting for her life and any information that people can give the RSPCA can help her in her fight,” Ms Benham said.
“She was picked up as a stray and she was so weak when she was picked up that she couldn’t stand.
“We weren’t sure if she would make it.”
The dog is now in the care of the RSPCA.
“She’s on fluids,” Ms Benham said.
“She was extremely dehydrated and she still is.
“I would like to stress that she’s under treatment and fighting for her life.
“I would like to try and find her owner because any information they have will help this dog.”
Ms Benham guessed the dog would be about two years old.
It’s tan with a white patch on its chest.
“It’s hard to tell because of her condition but I think she’s quite young, approximately two years old,” Ms Benham said.
“It’s hard to tell what breed she is because she’s so skinny but she’s medium size, maybe a Mastiff-cross.”
Ms Benham said it did not appear the dog had been wandering for long.
“Usually if a dog’s been out in street for a while the pads on their feet, and claws, are worn from walking,” she said.
But she hasn’t got any of that.
“There is an area on her neck caused from chain rubbing on fur.
“So perhaps she’s been let go or has become skinny enough to slip loose and get away.”
Ms Benham said unfortunately animal emaciation cases were not uncommon.
“She isn’t the skinniest dog I’ve seen,” Ms Benham said.
She said people having trouble caring for their animals should seek help from the RSPCA.
“If you’re having trouble feeding or caring for any animal then please call,” she said.
“We can help out.
“There is no reason for an animal to be in that condition.”
Anyone with information about the emaciated dog should phone the RSPCA on 5441 2676.