Helpless and exhausted dog DRAGGED behind van as sick passengers laugh

THIS is the horrific moment a helpless dog was caught on camera being dragged behind a van as it was driven round an industrial park.

The tan lurcher was forced to do several laps of Fenton Industrial Estate in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, while the passengers sat in the back of the Ford Transit van laughing.

The RSPCA released pictures of the shocking incident in a bid to track down the culprits who were spotted tormenting the dog on Tuesday at 6.30pm.

A horrified passerby took pictures of the incident shortly before the gang bundled the dog into the back of the vehicle and drove away.

RSPCA inspector Charlotte Melvin said: "The caller told us he had seen the van circling the industrial estate three times with a dog being dragged behind, and that the people inside the vehicle were laughing.

"These roads are Tarmac surfaces and I'd imagine the dog's feet would have been a painful mess after this awful ordeal.

"The back doors of the van were open and someone was sat in the back with the dog on a lead running behind. The dog looked exhausted.

"I'd appeal to anyone who lives or works nearby to keep their eyes peeled and, if they see a similar incident, or if they know who may have been responsible, to call the RSPCA.

"This is an appalling incident and I'd be interested to hear from anyone who might recognise the dog, the people or the van."

Animal welfare campaigners also branded the action "despicable".

Cassie Fletcher, a trustee of Animal Lifeline, said: "It's lower than low. To do something like this is beyond belief.

"If the dog was on a lead, it had no option but to follow the van. It's so cruel. And does it stop there?

"What happened to the animal when they got it home? What conditions is it living in?

"Hopefully, there is someone out there who knows these people and will have the courage to come forward. They have got to speak out."

The RSPCA said anyone caught deliberately harming an animal could be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

If convicted, they could face a fine of up to £20,000 or six months in prison.