The RSPCA are investigating an incident in the countryside between Potton and Biggleswade where a dog with a broken foot was left tied to railings.

Rosco – a one-year-old male lurcher – was abandoned near Deepdale Vet & Aquatic Centre, just north of the B1042 between the towns.

He was found by staff there last Thursday afternoon, with a spokeswoman from the centre describing it as a “real shock”.

After the foot, which was broken in three places was assessed by vets they decided to amputate his rear right leg.

RSPCA animal welfare officer Jane Folly went to investigate the incident, saying: “Poor Rosco was staggering and limping badly.

“He was in a bad way and needed to be seen urgently by a vet but, I suspect, with a serious injury that would need treatment his owners decided to abandon him outside instead of facing a bill.

“Rosco isn’t microchipped and had no ID tag so we don’t know where he’s come from.”

Following the operation, Rosco was moved to RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre in Cambridgeshire – where his treatment and rehabilitation will continue.

If no-one comes forward to claim him, he’ll be rehomed once he has recovered from his surgery.

Jane said: “He is extremely skinny so, once he’s had surgery, we’ll be spending time building up his weight and getting him back up to full health.

“This poor boy hasn’t had the best start to life but, thankfully, he’s now with us and will get the best care we can give him.”

The vets were sad to see Rosco leave but they will continue to monitor his progress.

“He was a really timid dog so God knows what happened to him,” a spokeswoman said.

“We forged a bit of a bond with Rosco and I am sure he will make a great pet. We are going to keep checking up on Rosco to see how he’s doing.”

The RSPCA will continue to investigate the abandonment and are appealing for information.

Anyone who recognises Rosco or saw anything suspicious in the area between 1pm and 2pm last Thursday should contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.

To help the charity continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs like Rosco, visit rspca.org.uk/give to donate.