Investigation after 'dog dragged behind moving van'

Shocking images of an exhausted dog being dragged behind a van as it was driven around an industrial estate have sparked an animal welfare investigation.

A member of the public took photos of the incident in Stoke-on-Trent on Tuesday evening, with the RSPCA calling it an appalling incident in which a dog had been subjected to an "awful ordeal".

The tan-coloured lurcher was spotted on a lead being held by a man sitting in the back of a white Transit-type van as it was driven in circuits around theFenton Industrial Estate.

The man who witnessed the scene in Spedding Road at about 6.30pm and later reported the incident also described hearing laughter coming from the van's occupants, the RSPCA said.

Animal welfare officers have now launched a public appeal for information to trace those involved.

RSPCA inspector Charlotte Melvin said: