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Dog dies after being found hanged from bridge in Leeds

Dog dies after being found hanged from bridge in Leeds

The RSPCA is investigating the death of a second hanged dog in weeks after an Akita was found dangling from a bridge by a chain fixed to railings.

The animal was spotted by a member of the public, hanging underneath a bridge on Neville Road, in the Halton area of Leeds, on Sunday afternoon (13 July). It was attached to a bridge over the Wyke Beck by a chain, which was put around the dog’s neck.

RSPCA inspector Ben Cassell said the dog had no form of identification, such as a microchip or tag, but believes someone must know who the animal belongs to.

He said: “It is quite a close community around that area, so if the dog was owned by someone who lives nearby then someone must recognise him.

“The dog’s body was in good condition. The animal had clean teeth, had been well fed and had short nails which suggested he was regularly walked.

“It beggars belief why someone would think of doing this. It is a truly appalling way to end a dog’s life.”

The RSPCA arrived at the scene after a member of the public spotted the stricken animal and originally called the police. The animal was dangling from the bridge, which is approximately 12ft above the Wyke Beck below.

The dog was reported as still being alive when the witness first saw the animal, but died before it could be saved. He was dead by the time inspector Cassell arrived.

This is the second incident of a dog being hanged that the RSPCA has been called upon to investigate in recent weeks. A Staffie-mastiff crossbreed dog was found hanged in Dudley on 28 June. He too was found hanged by a chain attached to a metal fence above a street and is the subject of an ongoing RSPCA investigation.

Anyone with any information on the latest investigation in Leeds is urged to leave a message for RSPCA inspector Cassell by calling 0300 123 8018.

The RSPCA is only able to investigate incidents like this thanks to generous donations from the general public. To donate £3 now text HELP to 78866 (texts cost £3 plus standard network rate).

 


 

Notes to editors

 

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