A stray shih tzu named Pepper who was found tied under a bush with ‘extremely matted’ fur looks like a new dog after being saved and shaved.    

The neglected dog had to be put under anaesthetic to get rid of her fur after she was found in a recreation ground in Liverpool on July 12 and taken to a local vet.

Pepper is now with an RSPCA branch where she is making a good recovery.

RSPCA inspector Nadine Pengilly said: ‘Pepper was in such a state, she was extremely matted. We believe she hasn’t been groomed for about two years.

‘Underneath her fur her skin was red raw, she was clearly very uncomfortable and suffering.’

A stray shih tzu named Pepper (pictured) who was found tied under a bush with ‘extremely matted’ fur looks like a new dog after being saved and shaved

Pepper (pictured)  is now with an RSPCA branch, where she is making a good recovery

RSPCA inspector Nadine Pengilly said: ‘Pepper was in such a state, she was extremely matted. We believe she hasn’t been groomed for about two years.’ Pictured: Pepper before her shave

Ms Pengilly added: ‘It is shocking that Pepper ever got into this condition in the first place. Someone must know who owned her.

‘We followed up the details on her microchip – which is how we know her name – but sadly we haven’t been able to find out who owned her as the contact details aren’t up to date.

‘After her shave, she looks like a new dog and is a lot more comfortable. It is just sad that she has gone through so much.’

Pepper’s rescue comes one month after another shih tzu found with matted fur that completely covered her face was rescued by the RSPCA after she was found on a stranger’s driveway.

Ivy was discovered by a member of the public in Deeside, Wales, in June.

The adorable young dog had been locked in a tiny cat carrier and left behind a house by their previous owner.

Fortunately the owners of the property found Ivy and took her to a nearby vet – where the dog’s overgrown fur was trimmed back so she could see again.

Anyone with information about Pepper can get in touch with the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 01113127.