RSPCA appeal after dog left tied to gate

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a young, female Staffordshire Bull Terrier type dog was left tied to a gate in a secluded spot on Old Tiverton Road in Bampton, Devon,  last Thursday (10 December).

The small, mostly black and white dog, who is thought to be around two to three years old, was initially discovered by a member of the public at around 6am on the morning of 10 December.

Thinking the dog must belong to someone the person left the spot but when they returned later on at 11am, they were shocked to find her still sitting there tied to the gate and immediately reported the incident to the RSPCA.

On inspection, she was found to be in poor condition - she was very underweight with long nails and was generally quite unkempt with white paws that were stained with urine.

RSPCA deputy chief inspector Tony Frow said: “It looks as though this poor girl must have been abandoned in the early hours by her owner.

"It’s quite a secluded area and there is not a lot out there, however there is a public footpath nearby and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard anything that day that would help us to locate her owner.

“She also was tied up with a very distinctive lead - it’s not a type of lead I have ever seen before and it almost looks like some kind of bungee, it’s very unique. We are hoping someone out there might recognise this lead or be able to identify her.

“It’s just such a shame as she is a really sweet natured, timid girl and I just can’t imagine why anyone would leave her stranded and alone like this on a cold, winter evening. She must have been terrified.”

Anyone with any further information is urged to contact the RSPCA in the strictest confidence on their inspectorate appeal line - 0300 123 8018.

The dog is currently being cared for and treated for her ailments at an RSPCA rescue centre.

The RSPCA is a charity and we rely on public donations to exist. To assist our Inspectors in carrying out their vital work please text HELP to 78866 to give £3 (Texts cost £3 + one standard network rate message).