THE RSPCA has issued an appeal for information after a stray dog was found in a poor condition in Lydiate.

The neglected black lurcher-type dog who was clearly underweight and had matted fur was found on:- Tuesday, 7 April 2026 straying in the Merseyside village and taken to Freshfields Animal Rescue where she was seen by a vet.

She was affectionately named Athena and transferred into the care of the dog wardens.

The RSPCA were contacted and RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Lucy Welch has been making enquiries to find out where she came from.

She said:- “She was found in a poor condition as she was heavily matted and underweight. She is now under the care of the dog warden and is receiving veterinary care. We’d like to thank everyone who helped care for her and thankfully she is now safe. We are now making enquiries to try and find out what happened to her and how she came to be in this condition. She was not microchipped so we’re unable to find out where she came from or who her owner is. Anyone who has any 1st-hand information please call the  RSPCA’s appeals line on:- 0300 123 8018 quoting incident:- 01771758.”

If you find a dog you believe has been abandoned, please contact your local authority’s stray dog service; you can find out more here.

By working together, we can all help more animals, more quickly. We’re grateful to all animal-lovers for helping to create a kinder world for every kind.