MORE than 1.6kg of matted fur had to be cut off a 'urine-soaked' dog after it was 'dumped' in Somerset.

The RSPCA said the dog, a Shih-tzu cross called Marley, was so matted he was unable to move and struggled to see because of the appalling condition of his dirty, urine-soaked coat.

The 12-year-old pup was found in Bleadon near Weston-super-Mare on Thursday (16 January) by a member of the public who took him to RSPCA Brent Knoll Animal Centre for treatment.

From there he was rushed to a vet, where the difficult task of carefully cutting and shaving off 1.68kg of matted fur began.

The RSPCA is now appealing for help to find those responsible.

Somerset County Gazette:

Marley being shaved by carers from the RSPCA Brent Knoll Animal Centre 

RSPCA animal welfare officer Alison Sparkes, who is investigating for the animal charity, said: “The matts were all soaked in urine and all of his feet had huge flippers of overgrown fur on them.

“The front feet had the twisted overgrown nails which were 10cm long and caught up in the matted fur, which the vet said would have caused intense pain.

"His tail also had a dreadlock of fur which was 25cm long trailing from the end.

“We really want to find the person who is responsible for allowing Marley to get in such a horrendous condition.

Somerset County Gazette:

Marley after he was shaved by carers at the RSPCA Brent Knoll Animal Centre 

"It would have taken months for him to get like this, and he would have been in tremendous pain because of his matted fur and overgrown nails.

“If anyone recognises Marley or knows where he has come from, I would urge them to contact us in confidence on the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

“He is microchipped, so we know his name, age and that he is a Shih-tzu cross Yorkshire terrier, but the information is not up to date so we’re struggling to find out more about who may have recently owned or cared for him.”

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals visit www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved