A dog had been found dead after being left alone in a remote woodland to die.
The lonely canine was found last week after being tied up to a tree in a remote part of Barrow Hill, Derbyshire, in sub-zero temperatures.
It is believed the dog, who was described as a grey and white XL bully-type, was alive at the time he was tied up.
However, the dog sadly succumbed to the freezing -5C temperatures and died, whilst waiting to be found.
The animal charity RSPCA were alerted and is now appealing for any information on the dog's previous owners.
Although the pet was microchipped, the registered address doesn’t exist and the mobile number doesn’t work.
RSPCA inspector Thea Kerrison said it was "heartbreaking" to hear of his lonely death.
She added: "The area where he was abandoned is remote and he was tied to a tree which wasn’t near a pathway - so whoever did this cruel act likely did so with the intention of the dog not being found.
“He was found lying down on his side as though he had gone to sleep. It was so cold on the day he was found - temperatures were -5C. It is unbearable to think how scared he must have been.
“The dog was microchipped and we have made enquiries; however the address on the chip doesn’t exist and the mobile number doesn’t work. But whoever abandoned the dog has to be someone local to know of this remote area."
Anyone who has any information on the incident is urged to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.
