WARNING: This article contains images some readers may find upsetting
The RSPCA has responded after a social media video appeared to show a dog trying to escape out of a chain(Image: Sammy Wilkinson / Facebook)
The RSPCA has responded after a social media video appeared to show a dog trying to escape out of a chain in a yard in Salford. A clip, shared online, appeared to show the white dog trying to wriggle out of the collar with claims made that it was ‘kept chained up at a scrapyard’.
A post by dog trainer and animal welfare campaigner Sammy Wilkinson received hundreds of responses and comments after it was shared on Thursday (July 2). “I’ve just watched with my own eyes this dog nearly choke himself to death trying to escape the chain,” he wrote.
The clip, filmed in Swinton, zoomed in to show the animal appearing to be repeatedly struggling and wrestling with the collar and chain. It was claimed that the incident had been reported to the RSPCA.
Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter
However, a further update on social media then claimed that the owners had ‘agreed to let the dog go if we can find a suitable home for him.’
In a response, the RSPCA said it was ‘aware of the situation’ but could not comment on individual complaints or what action may or may not have been taken. It went on to encourage members of the public to report any other concerns about animals and their welfare.
The footage was posted online(Image: Sammy Wilkinson / Facebook)
The Manchester Evening News understands that the type of swivel-chain that was used is not actually illegal. And, according to the RSPCA website, tethering a dog outside is also not automatically a criminal offence. This also is the case if the animal lives in an environment in line with dog welfare guidelines.
No details about any possible action or welfare visits taken by the RSPCA or Greater Manchester Police in relation to this dog have been confirmed.
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “We are aware of this situation but unfortunately we’re unable to discuss complaints about specific people and what action may have been taken. We understand how frustrating that is for animal lovers but releasing information could prejudice a future investigation or lead to us being fined.
“We’re really grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare.
“We always encourage anyone with information that suggests the law may have been breached, to contact our cruelty and advice line so they can review the situation further. This includes video footage and new information about an ongoing concern.
“A lot of the time issues will be dealt with by advice and education and it is not always appropriate to publicise this information for legal reasons.”