Staff at an Aberdeen rehoming centre have described the “distressing” condition a poodle was found in.
The 10-year-old toy poodle’s fur was so severely matted that he could not open his mouth fully or see properly.
The pooch, named Argyle, was found near Denmore Road in the Bridge of Don area, and was taken to Mrs Murray’s Cat and Dog Home.
Staff have now shaved off his entire coat and he is undergoing dental treatment, while the Scottish SPCA has launched an investigation to trace his owners.
Manager Marie Simpson said: “We were all very distressed when we saw the condition of him. There were few open mouths. We have not seen something like this in a long time.
“Once we picked him up and got a better look at him, we saw he couldn’t see from the hair that was matted and coming down, he couldn’t open his mouth fully because of the matts, they were all intertwined. It was all one big mess.”
Argyle is expected to remain at the home until well into the New Year to enable him to build his strength and continue his treatment.
Mrs Simpson added: “He is such a lovely boy. He would make a fantastic companion for someone that stays at home all day, he would just sit on your knee; he nestles right in. He loves people, he really would make a wonderful companion.”
Scottish SPCA Inspector Fiona McKenzie said: “A dog of this breed requires regular grooming and maintenance of their coat.
“This is a duty a responsible owner should provide.
“We are investigating the circumstances of his condition and hope the public can help us in identifying his owner.”
