Malnourished dog left tied up in the cold rescued

The skinny Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross is now being cared by Sunnyside Kennels

A distressed and malnourished dog that was left tied up outside in freezing conditions has been rescued.

The skinny Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross, believed to be about three years old, was found outside her owner's property in Graiseley, Wolverhampton, by police community support officers.

With the help of Noah's Ark Environmental Services and St George's Vet, the pooch was released and brought to safety.

She is now safe and warm at Sunnyside Kennels in the city.

The dog was found at about midnight on Monday, and although she had no injuries, appeared to be very frightened, Jonathan Cook of Noah's Ark Environmental Services said.

'Kennels at full capacity'

Now being looked after by staff at the Birmingham Dogs Home-run facility, she will be rehomed if her owner does not come forward.

Noah's Ark, a dog warden service, said it had seen an increase in dogs being put into kennels, because of a rise in the cost of living and owners who are worried about the XL Bully ban.

"The biggest thing to note at this time of year is we need people to visit the kennels to help by giving them a new forever home," Mr Cook, the firm's managing director said.

"We need feet through the doors of these kennels. All kennels across the country are at full capacity."

He also urged people not to ditch Bully breeds and seek support instead.

"Don't panic," he said. "You don't need to do that."