A tiny puppy was found "terrified and tired" by RSPCA officers after being tied to a metal railing outside a school in Hull.
The three-month-old Jack Russell terrier was abandoned at St Thomas More Voluntary Catholic Academy in St Thomas Road at 10am on Sunday.
A member of the public, who had gone into the school grounds to mow the grass, wrapped the terrified dog in a blanket and gave her some food whilst calling the RSPCA.
Inspector Hannah Williams arrived at the scene and is now pleading for information on the case.
Hannah said: "When I got there the pup was safely in a blanket and she looked lifeless.
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"She was so tired after her ordeal and even when I went to touch her she didn't move.
"She must have just been so exhausted and once she felt safe she fell into such a deep sleep."
The dog has since been named Daisy by rescuers and is now in the care of the RSPCA Hull and East Riding branch, where she will be rehabilitated and moved into a foster home.
Hannah said Daisy's owner must have climbed over a high fence to get into the school premises.
They then tied her to the fence using an unusual red restraint.
She explained: "I suspect she was dumped during the hours of darkness and it was lucky she was found when she was or she could have easily perished.
"I am keen to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in this area or who knows the person responsible.
"I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have bought puppies like this recently in this area as it may be the siblings of this dog and they may be able to provide me with some information."
Hannah will be examining CCTV in the area as part of her investigation.
Anyone with information should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
Daisy isn't the only puppy to be abandoned at a time of desperation - officials have coined it an ' animal welfare crisis '.
A combination of the Covid pandemic lockdown puppy boom, the cost of living crisis and a spike in unscrupulous backyard breeders has seen rescue centres reach full capacity.
One centre, Carla Lane Animals in Need, in Merseyside, is "completely full" and unable to take in any more pets.
Another shelter in Plymouth, Gables Dogs and Cats Home, has a long waiting list of cats and dogs that need to come in for rehoming.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit the website or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
