TO read about man's cruelty to animals is upsetting enough, to witness the reality of it is heartbreaking, but to know the animal's suffering is still continuing leaves me feeling helpless and sick inside.

In late April on Chain Caul Way, near Makro, Preston, a small, black, Jack Russell/dachshund type of dog was seen being thrown out of a red coloured car by a man.

The abandoned animal was in an extremely distressed state. It began its desperate attempt to find its owner as it dashed on and off the busy road. We feared the dog would be killed and rushed to help it but animal was so frightened of human contact it sped off.

We continued to try to retrieve the terrified animal but our attempts were fruitless. On one attempt the cornered animal cowered in submission, as I reached out for its collar I almost touched it but the dog let out a piercing howl of absolute fear, and it bolted.

What had happened to the dog before it was abandoned, what made it behave in this abnormal way, why is it so afraid of human contact? Why didn't the person just give the dog up for adoption to the RSPCA?

The police, dog warden, radio appeals and help from members of the general public have failed to retrieve the dog. Now, some weeks later, it is still believed to be at large in the Docklands area. Can you help by reporting any sighting to the dog warden on 01772 906161 or out-of-hours contact 0795085938.

Preston dog lover,

name and address supplied.