Dog left to die in freezing alley in Luton
- Published
The RSPCA has condemned "an atrocious act of animal cruelty" after an emaciated dog died when it was left tethered in an alley in snow in Luton.
The body of the dog was found off Glenfield Road on Sunday morning.
The RSPCA has only just released details and said it believes the dog was left there several hours earlier, and overnight.
It was male, about six to eight years old, and was a cross between a bull terrier and a Rottweiler.
The dog was wearing some kind of green canvas belt with double holes around his neck, the RSPCA said.
This was attached to a leather strap which was fastened to a thick metal chain.
The chain had been clipped on to the latch of the gate fence, preventing the dog from being able to find shelter.
'Horrendous death'
RSPCA inspector Peter Warne was called to collect the dog's body.
He said: "Saturday was a bitterly cold night, and there was snow on the ground.
"Whoever left this dog in such freezing conditions knew exactly that this poor animal would not make it through the night, and they left him to die a horrendous death.
"The dog was severely emaciated - you could clearly see his ribs. There is no way he would have had the strength to survive the cold.
"This is an atrocious act of animal cruelty and one of the most callous things that I have seen in a very long time.
"I just hope someone recognises the description of the dog, or may be able to help us track down his owner.
"Any calls with information will be treated in the strictest of confidence."
The RSPCA asked anyone with information to contact them.