A stray dog with a giant grapefruit sized tumour has been found abandoned in Downham.

The 11-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier was picked up by Lewisham Council in the Oakridge Road area on Tuesday, July 25.

The dog was microchipped and is called Kassie, but the details on the chip are no longer valid.

Kassie has since been transferred to RSPCA Putney Animal Hospital.

RSPCA inspector Anthony Pulfer is investigating the incident.

He said: “How long Kassie has been living with this tumour we just don’t know, but clearly her owner should have taken her to a vet for treatment.

“While the tumour looks awful, vets have said she is not in discomfort as the tumour does move so she is able to walk, sit and lay down on her side.

“She is set to undergo further tests and x-rays to establish more information regarding the tumour. In the meantime, I would appeal to anyone who may recognise Kassie, or who may know who owns her, to get in touch.

“I want to find out why this poor dog has been left in this state, somebody must have some information regarding her.

“Kassie really is a super sweet dog and it’s upsetting to think that she may have been dumped in this way.”

In a statement, the RSPCA said it receive thousands of calls a year about abandoned pets.

They said that unless people understand the commitment it takes to look after an animal there will be more cases where animals are poorly treated.

Anyone with any information about who may have owned Kassie should call the RSPCA’s inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for inspector Pulfer.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give or text LOVE to 87023 to give £3 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).