A dog was saved from drowning after she was left struggling in the River Avon at Staverton.

Shortly after 9:00 pm on Wednesday 11th August 2010 a local man was walking along the tow path when he heard a splash and yelping behind him. He turned and saw a man a short distance away and a dog in the river.

He felt uneasy and went back to the scene. The other man was nowhere to be seen but he found the female English Bull Terrier coughing and struggling in the water. The dog was weak and clearly unable get to safety so he pulled her to the edge and called police.

The dog was initially taken to a veterinary practice where she received treatment for her injuries.

The man is described as being of mixed race; aged 30 – 40 years, 5’7 – 5’8 tall. He was of stocky build with a chubby face, goatee and side burns and had short cropped hair. He was wearing a tight black t shirt and dark blue jeans.

Officers from the Wiltshire Police Dog Section attended and were horrified by the state the dog was in. Wiltshire Police Dog Section Sergeant and dog legislation officer, Steve Jones said: ‘I attended the river bank to find a terrified female English Bull terrier cowering at the end of a concrete ledge over the river. After some time I was able to gain the dogs trust with treats and was able to bring her to safety.

‘The dog had been traumatised by her experience and had numerous fresh wounds on the front of her body, head and neck, none of which were consistent with struggling to get out of the water. It was clear from the outset that we were dealing with an appalling example of animal cruelty made worse, as we later found out, that the dog had very recently given birth to a litter of puppies whose fate is unknown. Two further puppies were delivered by Caesarean Section but sadly died.

‘This is one example of the diverse incidents that Wiltshire Police Dog Handlers attend throughout the county although thankfully a very rare one.’ The rescuer spoke about the incident: ‘I am disgusted that anyone could do this to a dog. She was obviously in distress and injured and she was just left there. She was terrified, clinging to a rock until I managed to pull her to the edge. I took off my t shirt to try and dry her off and looked after her until the police arrived. I hope she makes a good recovery and that the person responsible is found.’ RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson, who is investigating said: "It beggars belief why someone would treat an animal in this way and I would urge anyone with any information to contact the RSPCA so we can ensure no other animals are allowed to suffer."

Wiltshire Police are working closely with the RSPCA who have taken over the investigation. Due to the nature of the dog’s injuries it is thought that she might have been used in dog fighting as a ‘bait dog’. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 anyone found guilty of causing deliberate suffering to an animal can face up to six months in prison and/or a £20,000 fine.

Anyone who has information on the identity of the owner is asked to please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 and leave a message for Inspector Albinson. Calls are treated in confidence.