A YOUNG female Staffordshire Bull Terrier type dog was abandoned by its owners after it was left tied to a gate in a secluded spot in Bampton on December 10.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a member of the public discovered the dog on Old Tiverton Road at around 6am on Thursday, December 10.

They thought the small, mostly black and white dog belonged to someone so left the dog at the spot, but when they returned at 11am, they were shocked to find her still there and reported it 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.

the dog is thought to be around two to three-years-old.

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 - 030012-38018.

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

The RSPCA is a charity and relies on public donations to exist.

To help, text HELP to 78866 to give £3 (Texts cost £3 + one standard network rate message).