HEARTLESS owners abandoned their sweet natured dog by the roadside by tying her to a signpost.

The RSPCA was called to rescue the dog dumped in High Road, Fobbing, Stanford Le Hope last night.

The dog was tied to a signpost with her lead and was first seen at around 9.45pm.

She was wearing a red coat with a grey bone on it and is very friendly and seems in good condition.

She was left with sleeping bags with her for bedding and is microchipped although there are no details registered.

Inspector Adam Jones picked up the dog.

He said: “She appears healthy and is very sweet natured. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to leave her in this way.

“The road has a low traffic flow, especially at the time of night she was found, and very few houses.

“We will be following up all lines of enquiry including trying to glean more information from the microchip but if anyone recognises this dog or knows how she came to be dumped here we would urge them to get in contact with us as soon as possible on our inspectorate appeal line 0300 123 8018.”

The dog is currently being checked over by a vet and will then be looked after by the RSPCA.

To donate to the RSPCA text HELP to 78866 to give £3 (Texts cost £3 + one standard network rate message).