An animal rescue charity is appealing for information after a dog was abandoned and left tied to a fence in Cambridgeshire.

RSPCA were called to help the poorly lurcher after it was found by a man in Laburnum Grove, Peterborough, on February 9.

CCTV footage, released today, shows a man in dark-coloured clothing, with his hood up, walk over to the fence and tie her up before running away as she watches on.

Inspector Justin Stubbs collected the tan-coloured dog, thought to be around four-years-old, and took her straight to a vet.

“She looked so confused and frightened when I arrived,” Inspector Stubbs said.

“She was curled up on the ground with big clumps of fur missing and the sore pink skin showing.

“There was extensive fur loss and it was near to freezing so she must have been very cold.

“The little dog was tied to a fence with a ragged old bit of blue rope. Luckily, she was dumped outside a house with CCTV so we’re now able to release the footage of her being abandoned in the hope of finding the person responsible for such cruelty.”

Ella, as she’s now been named by staff caring for her, will be treated for a skin infection and then remain in RSPCA care.

“She has no microchip or identification so I’d be keen to hear from anyone who might recognise her or know where she’s come from. I’d also like people to take a close look at the CCTV and get in touch if they think they may know the culprit,” Inspector Stubbs added.

Anyone who can help with the investigation has been asked to call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.