Abandoned dog burned with cigarettes and left chained outside RSPCA Leeds and Wakefield

A dog that appears to have been burned with cigarettes was left chained up and abandoned outside the RSPCA in Leeds.
By Rebecca Marano
Published 12th Aug 2020, 06:00 BST
Updated 13th Aug 2020, 08:28 BST

The male American bulldog - now named Hector - was found tied to the RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield & District Branch Animal Centre gates at 6.45pm on Saturday, August 1.

CCTV shows a black Mercedes with foreign number plates pull-up outside the centre, on Moor Knoll Lane, East Ardsley.

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The driver gets out, goes to the rear of the car to get the dog and ties him up.

Hector was found tied up with a short, heavy chain outside the RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield & District Branch Animal Centre gates.Hector was found tied up with a short, heavy chain outside the RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield & District Branch Animal Centre gates.
Hector was found tied up with a short, heavy chain outside the RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield & District Branch Animal Centre gates.

Hector was tied with a heavy chain and was "so upset" by the situation that he twisted the chain even tighter around his neck.

Animal Care Manager Lucynda Hodgson said: “We had to call for an inspector to come and help as the dog was being rather aggressive and although he was wearing a pretty hefty muzzle the staff were struggling to get near him.

“He was tied up with a heavy chain lead so short that he could barely lay down and was so upset that he had twisted the chain lead tighter and tighter around his neck to the point that he couldn’t move in any direction.

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“It took two of our animal care assistants and the officer to free him and get him up to our kennels.”

Hector was found to have some burns, thought to be cigarette burns, on his body, one of which was fairly new.Hector was found to have some burns, thought to be cigarette burns, on his body, one of which was fairly new.
Hector was found to have some burns, thought to be cigarette burns, on his body, one of which was fairly new.

Hector is a tan and white unneutered male and in good body condition, with what looked to be freshly cut nails.

He was found to have some burns, thought to be cigarette burns, on his body, one of which was fairly new.

As he wasn’t microchipped there is no way of tracing his owner at the moment - but RSPCA staff may have found a big clue.

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Lucynda said: "He really shut down after what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him but after a few days of getting used to the staff he is doing a lot better and seems much happier.

Hector is much happier now that he has got used to the staff, and, after not responding to English, it was discovered he is very well trained - in German!Hector is much happier now that he has got used to the staff, and, after not responding to English, it was discovered he is very well trained - in German!
Hector is much happier now that he has got used to the staff, and, after not responding to English, it was discovered he is very well trained - in German!

“Initially he wasn’t responding to any English words so - given the foreign plates on the car - we tried some other options and it emerged he was actually very well trained, in German.

“He’s a quick learner and even after just a few days is already picking up English.”

Anyone with any information about who Hector belongs to should call the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and ask to leave a message for inspector Emily Stodart, who is investigating what happened.

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Emily said: “Poor Hector was very distressed when he was found.

“We would like to find out how Hector came to have these injuries and who abandoned him in this way.

“If you can help us to locate his owner please call me.”

To help support the animals in the care of RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield & District Branch, please visit https://www.rspcaleedsandwakefield.org.uk/A message from the Editor: Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you

Laura Collins