Bulldog is left tied to gates of RSPCA centre after being abandoned in the middle of the night

A dog has been dumped and tied to the gates of an RSPCA centre - with welfare officers now desperately trying to trace its owner.

The young bully was discovered by staff yesterday morning having been left in freezing conditions overnight.

A man was captured on CCTV tying the 'good tempered' grey and white pooch to the gates of the centre in Newport, Gwent, and fleeing.

The RSPCA said initial investigations confirmed the dog - believed to be aged one or two - was not an XL Bully breed set to be banned.

RSPCA inspector Sophie Daniels said: 'We are very saddened that this poor dog has been dumped at one of our centre's gates.

'He has a good temperament and is friendly but wasn't microchipped. He must have been very frightened and confused being left there in the cold.

'We know times are tough at the moment and the cost of living is really affecting families who are struggling with their pets and the costs that come with them.

'But we ask for people not to abandon and dump these animals - but to seek help from charities and organisations out there.

'A misunderstanding about the true cost of pet ownership is one of the main reasons why we believe that animals end up being abandoned and we'd urge people to do their research and to consider rescuing instead of buying.'

The RSPCA is appealing for anyone with information to get in touch via 0300 123 8018 and to quote reference number 1193369.

Sophie added: 'We're desperately concerned about the coming winter months in Wales. Abandonments have soared and many rescue centres are full to bursting, so we are facing an unprecedented winter crisis.

'Our rescue teams are set to be busier than ever this Christmas - so we need animal lovers to join the Christmas rescue and donate to help us be there for animals in desperate need as neglect and abandonment soars.'