A dog has died after being abandoned with open weeping wounds in a garden in Norfolk.

The five-year-old female bulldog was abandoned in the garden of a property in Smeeth Road in Marshland St James, near Wisbech.   

The dog had open weeping wounds all over her body believed to be cancerous tumours with secondary infections.

Upon examination by the vet, it was decided that the kindest thing to do was to put the dog to sleep to end her suffering.

Carl Saunders, branch manager for the West Norfolk Branch, collected the dog on January 22.

Eastern Daily Press: Carl Saunders, branch manager for the West Norfolk BranchCarl Saunders, branch manager for the West Norfolk Branch (Image: Chris Bishop)

He said: “The condition this poor girl had been left in will stay with me forever - it was heartbreaking to think someone had allowed her to get into this condition.

“She would have been suffering for a prolonged period of time and I cannot comprehend how she was left in such pain and discomfort.

“This poor girl was the worst I have ever seen.

"She was such a gentle little girl - it truly is heartbreaking.”

The RSPCA has seen a 25pc rise in the number of abandonment incidents last year.

RSPCA inspector Justin Stubbs is investigating the incident and said: “It is devastating that this dog has been left in such a terrible state and in so much pain.

“The dog was chipped, but the details on it are not up to date. We also think she may have been used for breeding in the past.

"I would urge anyone with information which can help my investigation to call me in confidence on 0300 123 8018.

“Sadly, we’re starting to see the results of rising costs on pet owners.

"More animals are coming into our care, more animals are being abandoned, and fewer animals are being rehomed - but there’s never any excuse to abandon an animal, particularly one in such urgent need of help.”