RSPCA responds to concerns for dog tied up outside Wigan bookmakers

Several residents have contacted the animal welfare charity in recent days with concerns about a dog, which they say is being tied up for hours at a time outside Betfred in Scholes.

An image circulating on social media shows the animal tethered to a drain pipe, stood alone with no food or water, outside the shop's entrance. When the picture was taken, and who by, is unconfirmed.

Some locals say they have pleaded with the owner not to leave the pet outside, and to consider re-homing it, but that their suggestions have fallen on deaf ears.

One concerned resident said: “[The] poor dog is outside every day no food or water and the staff won’t do a single thing. People have tried to convince the owner to give the dog to a better home but he won’t budge.”

Another said: “This is everyday. The poor dog is starving and cold. [We’ve] been told, by law, we cannot cut it free, but I will if needs be.”

The RSPCA said it was aware of concerns for the animal. However, the charity added that although it recommends not leaving dogs outside shops, it was powerless to intervene because it is not a crime to do so.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “We’re aware of concerns for this dog. While we do not recommend leaving dogs tied up outside shops - certainly not for prolonged periods of time or during hot weather - it isn’t against the law.

“Unfortunately, at this time, we’re only able to send staff out to emergencies but we’d ask locals to keep a close eye on this dog and to report any concerns to us on 0300 1234 999.”