TOUCHING photos of a 'terrified' dog left tied to a tree have been released in a bid to trace its owners.

The dogue de bordeaux cross rottweiler was spotted by a member of the public in a lane near the RSPCA's Ashley Heath Animal Centre.

Inspector Jo Story said the dog has a microchip, meaning his name - Bruce - was quickly found.

However, there is not enough information to find out how the pet came to be tied to the tree.

“Bruce has a microchip but the details are not update so we do not know if he has previously been lost, or perhaps even stolen," Insp Story said.

“He was very scared and shaking when he was first found, with no sign of an owner around.

“We’re not sure how long he was there as people could have driven by and not seen him. It was a dog who noticed him first and alerted its owner.

“We understand he is 16 months old and was most recently rehomed, along with his sister, to a woman in Bournemouth around four months ago.

"However, we have been struggling to get in touch with them.

“We’re really keen to hear from anyone who recognises Bruce, knows where he came from, or who knows how he came to be left alone.

“He’s very affectionate and enjoys attention. He is a lovely dog.”

Anyone with information about Bruce is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Inspector Jo Story.