Content note: this story describes neglect and a severely underweight dog.
On 6 August 2025, an RSPCA inspector stood outside a house on Alice Street in Rochdale and looked through the keyhole. Inside was a dog, alone. Even through that tiny gap, it was clear he was very skinny.
His name was Kano, a bullbreed dog, and he had been left in a filthy house with no one looking after him.
Five metres, then he collapsed
When the RSPCA got into the property, Kano came towards them. He managed to walk about five metres, and then he slumped to the floor.
His ribs and spine were clearly visible. He was crawling with fleas. The house around him was filthy, with a soiled mattress where he had been living. He was taken straight for veterinary care.
Care, food and rest
At the vet, Kano was examined and started on a careful recovery plan. Dogs who have been starved need to regain weight slowly and safely, with small meals and close checks. Flea treatment, a clean bed and quiet rest came first.
Under the care of the RSPCA, Kano began to change. With regular meals and kind people around him, he slowly started to put weight back on and grow stronger.
Justice for Kano
Kano’s owner, Paul Dawson, 37, was prosecuted. At Tameside Magistrates’ Court on 31 July 2026 he was banned from keeping animals for 15 years and given a 22-week suspended sentence.
Where Kano is now
Today Kano is in the care of an RSPCA animal centre, where staff are helping him recover and get ready for the next chapter of his life. He is still on his journey, but he is safe, fed and cared for.
It all started because someone looked through a keyhole and refused to walk away.
If you see a dog in need
If you are worried about an animal, contact the RSPCA cruelty line or your local animal welfare organisation. Your call could be the one that gets a dog like Kano out of the dark.
Story retold from public reporting. Credit: RSPCA, via the Manchester Evening News.
Images in this article are illustrative recreations made for this story, not photographs of the dog.
