An underweight dog was left overnight chained to a wooden sign near a Nottinghamshire park.
The RSPCA said a black and white Staffordshire bull terrier was found by a member of the public at 6am on Monday (July 17) at The Hook, in the Lady Bay area of West Bridgford.
RSPCA inspector Susan Hammond said: “The poor dog had been chained to a wooden sign near to a children’s play area, and he had no food or water – despite the current warm weather.
“He was also underweight – you could make out his ribs – and he was in need of a bath.
“As he was found so early in the morning, we assume that he had been there all night and sadly he had gotten himself tangled up in the chain.
“Unsurprisingly, he was very distressed when he was found.
“He was wearing a distinctive collar but there were no details on it, and he isn’t microchipped, so we have no idea where he has come from. We are hoping that a member of the public will recognise him and be able to provide us with information.”
The dog, who has been named Teddy, is now being treated by the RSPCA.
Inspector Hammond added: “The RSPCA is called out to collect thousands of dumped dogs every year.
“People often think that Christmas is the time we see the most abandoned animals – but it is actually the summer. In the summer months the number of dumped animals we rescue spikes up in number – with one animal being collected every hour on average.
“We understand that circumstances can change which can mean people may no longer be in a position to look after their pet but if something like this happens, we would urge pet owners to act responsibly.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the RSPCA’s appeals line on 0300 123 8018, and leave a message for Inspector Hammond.
