AN EMACIATED dog found abandoned in a Canvey alleyway has had to be put down by the RSPCA.

Wispa, a white Staffordshire bull terrier cross, captured the hearts of the community who pulled together to try to get him better.

But sadly, after around six weeks in the care of the RSPCA, Wispa had to be put down due to serious health and behavioural issues.

The RSPCA said they had taken the difficult decision to “end his suffering”.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: “This is a tragic outcome caused by irresponsible owners who severelymistreated this dog and then dumped him.

“We condemn in the strongest terms those who abuse their animals in this way.

“As with all dogs in our care, our experienced team spent a great deal of time working with Wispa, trying to help him overcome a number of health and serious behavioural issues.

“Perhaps as a result of his previous ill-treatment, he showed aggressive behaviour towards people and was suffering from serious issues with his leg. The combination of issues meant Wispa could never have been safely rehomed.

“So with great regret, the decision was made to put Wispa to sleep to end his suffering.

“This decision was made in consultation with qualified professionals.”

Wispa was found on April 2 in an alley between First Avenue and Edith Close.

He was picked up by the RSPCA and cared for at the Riverside Veterinary Group, on Canvey, before being transferred to a kennels for further care.

During his two-week stay at Riverside, he gained an extra 25 per cent body weight from the frail 13.9kg he weighed when first arriving.

A spokesman for the vets said: “It is such a terrible, terrible, thing to hear.

“You hear of people mistreating both animals and children, but for someone to have been that malicious, it is still a shock.

“We would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and donations for Wispa.

“He was such a lovely boy and did remarkably well in the short time he was with us.”

Appeals from the RSPCA to find out who was responsible for Wispa’s plight have so far been unsuccessful.

Residents raised £800 to help find those responsible

UPSET and angry residents on Canvey clubbed together a reward of more than £800 for anyone with information leading to a charge over the mistreatment of the dog.

Residents and members of the Canvey Island Then and Now community group chipped in and also donated to Riverside Vets.

Information was passed on to the RSPCA, but the animal welfare charity said appeals to find out who was responsible for Wispa’s abandonment and condition have so far been unsuccessful.

Leanne Charles, who organised the reward, said: “As a community of animal lovers, the sheer anger and upset that this form of neglect could happen on our doorsteps, spiralled to a reward being offered.

“May that poor boy now run free and may the scumbag responsible be brought to justice.”

Donations made to the vets included dog toys, beds and money. All donations have now been passed on to the RSPCA, which was responsible for Wispa’s treatment and attempted rehabilitation and rehoming.