CCTV captures moment man tied up dog and abandoned him

Video footage captured the heartrending moment a dog looks around for his owner after he was tied to a post and left behind.

The Staffordshire terrier cross terrier was abandoned outside a care home, where staff found him around two hours later.

They checked CCTV and saw the man, wearing a hood, walk up to a gate and then leave without the animal.

The frightened dog can be seen looking from side to side on the video.

It happened just after 5am outside Parklands Care Home in Seaham, County Durham, on October 10.

The RSPCA is now investigating who is responsible.

They have nicknamed the three-year-old Panda due to his distinctive black and white markings.

Inspector Cathy Maddison, who is investigating, said: ‘It was dark when he was abandoned but you can see a tall man with his hood up with Panda before he’s abandoned.

‘Panda was taken to the vet where staff found he was microchipped but his chip wasn’t registered.’

The inspector suspected the owner gave him up because he could no longer look after him.

She said: ‘Unfortunately we respond to thousands of calls every year where an animal has been abandoned because their owner simply can’t take care of them anymore.

‘Pets are a huge commitment and responsibility, and they can be expensive, so we find many dogs, cats, horses and other pets are abandoned every year.’

The RSPCA is trying to track down the owner.

The inspector said: ‘Panda is a lovely boy but he’s obviously really confused and is absolutely terrified.

‘It’s so sad.’

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.