Update on Hector the dog who was chained up with cigarette burns outside RSPCA in Leeds

American bulldog Hector was found tied to the RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield & District Branch Animal Centre gates at 6.45pm on Saturday, August 1.

CCTV shows a black Mercedes with foreign number plates pull-up outside the centre, on Moor Knoll Lane, East Ardsley.

The driver gets out, goes to the rear of the car to get the dog and ties him up.

Little Hector had been tied with a heavy chain and was "so upset" by the situation that he twisted the chain even tighter around his neck.

Staff at the centre calmed him down and took him in, where they found him to be in good condition but with some cigarette burns on his body.

In a strange twist, they also discovered he was very well trained - but in German.

Animal Care Manager Lucynda Hodgson said at the time: “"He really shut down after what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him but after a few days of getting used to the staff he is doing a lot better and seems much happier.

“Initially he wasn’t responding to any English words so - given the foreign plates on the car - we tried some other options and it emerged he was actually very well trained, in German.

“He’s a quick learner and even after just a few days is already picking up English.”

On Tuesday, August 19, the centre shared a photograph update on how Hector is doing.

They shared four photographs of Hector playing in the gardens, where he looks noticeably happier with his tongue hanging out in several shots.

A spokesman said: "Did you see the news about Hector, the American Bulldog who was found abandoned at our gates? Here’s a little update on him as he settles in."

Staff at the centre are still trying to locate his owner, however, Hector has not been microchipped which has made the search difficult.

Anyone with any information about who Hector belongs to should call the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and ask to leave a message for inspector Emily Stodart, who is investigating what happened.

Emily said: “Poor Hector was very distressed when he was found.

“We would like to find out how Hector came to have these injuries and who abandoned him in this way.

“If you can help us to locate his owner please call me.”

To help support the animals in the care of RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield & District Branch, please visit https://www.rspcaleedsandwakefield.org.uk/

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Thank you

Laura Collins