CCTV footage has been released by the RSPCA that shows the heartbreaking moment that a dog is abandoned by the side of a road in Stoke-on-Trent.
The horrific footage shows a man getting out of a car with a dog bed while another person waits in the driving seat, he is then seen unclipping the lead from his dog and dashing back across the road to get into the car.
As the car speeds off, the distressed dog jumps up at the car window with his front paws as if to implore the people not to leave him on his own.
The CCTV footage was taken on the corner of Timor Grove and Pacific Road in Stoke at about 5pm on Monday 17 December. The RSPCA has opened an investigation to try to find the people responsible for abandoning the poor animal.
A passer-by discovered the poor dog sitting in his dog bed within an hour of him being left behind. They then brought him to a vet, who then called the RSPCA.
RSPCA Inspector Natalie Perehovsky says that the RSPCA are now asking for anyone with any information to come forward.
She said: "The footage has to be seen to be believed, it's just awful.
"To see the poor dog in such obvious distress jumping up at the car as it drives away it just heart-breaking.
"I can't understand how someone could do this.
"The vets scanned his microchip and we have traced two previous owners in the Birmingham area, but do not believe either are the current owners, and therefore not those responsible for abandoning the dog.
"One man can be seen clearly in the footage dumping the dog, and there is a second person in the driver seat of the car.
"I am very keen to hear from anyone who recognises the vehicle, the man or the dog.
She continued: "The veterinary staff have nicknamed the dog Snoop, and he is in good condition, thought to be two years old.
"He is a white Staffie with black marking, and is such a friendly, lovely boy.
"He's currently being cared for at a private boarding kennels where he will get all the care he needs whilst I investigate further."
"It's beggars belief that someone could abandon a dog like this at Christmas, but we are so thankful to the kind people who found Snoop sitting sadly in his bed, for taking him to the safety of a vets straight away."
Christmas is a tough time for animals. It is thought that more than 10,000 animals will be taken into care by the RPSCA this winter. Last year, their hotline received more than 55,000 calls over Christmas.
Featured Image Credit: RSPCA