The joint founder of a Shropshire animal charity has spoken of her “crippling” horror after a dog was tied up and left to die.

Hayley Bradley, a founder of the Greenfields Greyhound and Lurcher Rescue Charity, which is based in Oswestry, said the dog could have been given a “happy life” at one of the charity’s foster homes, which are located across Shropshire, the Cheshire border and North Wales.

The male lurcher, who was tied to a gate in a field in Four Crosses, Llanymynech, was found on Tuesday.

It is thought to have been dead for 24 hours. He had been tied to the gate with a piece of rope, which had become twisted around his neck causing its death.

“I was horrified when I heard the news about the lurcher,” said Mrs Bradley.

“We are a voluntary greyhound and lurcher rescue group based in Oswestry, so we could have taken the dog in straight away and, if he needed treatment, we could have got him treated and then rehomed him in one of our foster care homes.

Cruelty

“If someone cannot afford to look after their dog anymore, or are too ill to care for them, then fair enough, but abandoning an animal when there are organisations willing to take them in and care for them is just heartbreaking.

“I hope no animal will have to be placed in this position again, but sadly animal cruelty is happening all the time.

Mrs Bradley is calling on people with information to come forward.

“People like this should not get away with leaving an animal to die under any circumstances”, she said. “Someone in the area must know who the dog belongs to.”

And Mrs Bradley said the charity will be holding an awareness day at The Guildhall, Oswestry, on February 10, from 10am-1pm, for people to find out more about greyhounds and lurchers.

People are still being urged to come forward with any information on the incident and can call Phil Lewis, RSPCA inspector, on 08705 555999.