AN injured Staffordshire bull terrier was found tied to a tree and abandoned in a park in Bournemouth.

The adult male dog - named Eric by RSPCA staff - was found in Queen’s Park by a member of the public around 9.30am on Tuesday, April 18. They then contacted the animal welfare charity.

According to RSPCA inspector Patrick Bailey Eric had an untreated wound to his left ear which had become infected.

He added: “It’s heartbreaking that there are irresponsible people who simply dump animals when they are no longer wanted.

“Eric isn’t microchipped and had no collar so we have no idea where he has come from and do not know if he has previously been lost, or perhaps even stolen.

“We were contacted by a member of the public who told us they had found him tied to a tree with a chain lead clipped around his neck.

“He sadly has an untreated wound on his left ear which has become infected but that aside, he appears to be of reasonable body condition and temperament."

Eric is believed to be aged between two and five-years-old and has very distinctive tan and white markings.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for inspector Patrick Bailey.

Statistics from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home show that up to 80 per cent of the dogs under their care at any given time are Staffordshire Bull Terriers or cross breeds with Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

According to Pets4Homes Staffies are over represented in shelters because they often attract "irresponsible owners" who just want to own that breed of dog to "enhance their own ‘street cred’ or status".

It claims this then leads to owners abandoning their dogs because they either mistreat them to the point that they themselves can no longer control them, or find that the reality of owning a status dog is more trouble than it is worth.

An RSPCA spokesman said: "Every year the RSPCA is called out to rescue hundreds of animals across England and Wales after their owners abandon them and in many cases leave them for dead.

"Last year, we collected 1,341 abandoned dogs. To assist our inspectors in rescuing abandoned animals, like Eric, and to help our hospitals in treating them, please visit rspca.org.uk/abandonment."