RSPCA launch probe after 10-month-old puppy shot with crossbow
The dog, known as Nala, was then abandoned by her owner
The RSPCA has launched an investigation following an attack on a 10-month-old puppy in Boston in Lincolnshire.
Nala, a 10-month-old Belgian shepherd breed, had been shot with a crossbow, chained up and abandoned on Tuesday (September 17th).
It has since been revealed that the dog had been found on the junction of the A16 (Sibsey Road) and Pilleys Lane.
A concerned member of the public had found Nala by the side of the road and took her to a local vet, who contacted the RSPCA after being horrified by what she saw.
The charity is now appealing for information and witnesses that can bring Nala's owners to justice.
In a statement released after the attack, Animal Rescue Officer Dan Holman said: "She is a very friendly dog and it is heartbreaking that she has gone through such a horrific experience.
"We just don’t know why someone would do this to an innocent animal. The vets removed the bolt from her leg and she is making a good recovery.
"Despite what she’s been through, she is a friendly dog and loves being told she is a good girl - she absolutely adores head and ear scratches too."
Weapon assaults on animals are becoming more common, according to figures from the RSPCA, with a 23% increase in incidents compared to 2022.
Information on the dog was obtained via her microchip, which identified her original name as Nala.
Officials from the RSPCA have chased the details given on the chip but are yet to find the person responsible for the attack.
Holman added: "If you have dashboard footage from the area from that day we’d be grateful if you got in touch.
"She was found at around 7.30am, next to the river on the road, near to the golf course."
Anyone who may have any information that could lead to the identification of the dog is being asked to get in touch with the RSPCA's appeals line, dialling 0300 123 8018, quoting incident reference number 1354000.