"It’s hard to comprehend": Emaciated dog 'tied to farm trough and left to freeze to death'

A severely emaciated dog was dumped in a Cheshire field and froze to death earlier this week, investigators have said.

The dog was found dead on Tuesday (December 5), by a passerby, tied to a water trough on farmland, lying in the mud. Following an investigation, the RSPCA said 'all the signs' pointed to the dog being deliberately dumped and then freezing to death as the temperature plunged on Monday night.

The tan-coloured dog, believed to be a lurcher that was not microchipped, was given the lowest possible body score by a local vet, reports Cheshire Live. The bones in his legs, hips and ribs were clearly visible and there was very little muscle tone, indicating a prolonged period of neglect.

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"Based on the fact the dog was tied up and the presence of mud on his legs, we think he was probably alive when he was left in the field," RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes said. "Temperatures in the area went down to well below freezing on Monday night into Tuesday morning and because he had so little body fat, it’s likely he died from exposure.

“The images of him lying there alone in the mud are difficult to look at. It’s hard to comprehend how someone can deliberately leave an emaciated dog in circumstances like this and just walk away, but sadly all the signs indicate this is what happened.”

The RSPCA is appealing for information, and specifically requested dash cam footage, possibly from Kelsall Road. The charity is appealing for anyone with first-hand information about who is responsible to get in touch on 0300 123