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RSPCA launch inquiry over photos of dog being dragged behind van RSPCA launches inquiry over photos of dog being dragged behind van
(about 1 hour later)
Shocking images of a dog being dragged behind a van as it was driven around an industrial estate have sparked an animal welfare investigation. Images of a dog being led behind a van around an industrial estate have sparked an animal welfare investigation.
A member of the public took photos of the incident in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, on Tuesday evening, with the RSPCA calling it an appalling incident in which a dog had been subjected to an “awful ordeal”. A member of the public took photos of the incident in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, on Tuesday evening. The RSPCA said the dog appeared to have been subjected to an “awful ordeal”.
The tan-coloured lurcher was spotted on a lead being held by a man sitting in the back of a white van as it was driven in circuits around the Fenton industrial estate. The man who took the photos told the RSPCA that the tan-coloured lurcher was on a lead held by a man sitting in the back of a white van doing circuits around the Fenton industrial estate.
The man who reported the incident after taking photos described hearing laughter coming from the van’s occupants, the RSPCA said.
Animal welfare officers have now launched a public appeal for information to help trace those involved.
RSPCA inspector Charlotte Melvin said: “The caller told us he had seen the van circling the industrial estate three times with a dog being dragged behind, and that the people inside the vehicle were laughing.RSPCA inspector Charlotte Melvin said: “The caller told us he had seen the van circling the industrial estate three times with a dog being dragged behind, and that the people inside the vehicle were laughing.
“These roads are tarmac surfaces and I’d imagine the dog’s feet would have been a painful mess after this awful ordeal … The dog looked exhausted. “These roads are tarmac surfaces and I’d imagine the dog’s feet would have been a painful mess after this awful ordeal … The dog looked exhausted.”
She added: “I’d appeal to anyone who lives or works nearby to keep their eyes peeled and, if they see a similar incident, or if they know who may have been responsible, to call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018. The RSPCA has launched a public appeal for information to help trace those involved.
Melvin said: “I’d appeal to anyone who lives or works nearby to keep their eyes peeled and, if they see a similar incident, or if they know who may have been responsible, to call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
“This is an appalling incident and I’d be interested to hear from anyone who might recognise the dog, the people or the van.”“This is an appalling incident and I’d be interested to hear from anyone who might recognise the dog, the people or the van.”