Puppy abandoned after being shot with crossbow

The RSPCA has launched an investigation after a 10-month-old puppy was shot with a crossbow and left chained up at the side of a road in Boston.

The female Belgian Shepherd was found by a member of the public at the junction of the A16, Sibsey Road and Pilleys Lane, on Tuesday.

She was taken to a vet who managed to remove the 9in (22cm) long bolt from her leg.

The charity said that the dog was making a “good recovery” and they were trying to trace her owners.

Animal Rescue Officer Dan Holman said: “She is a very friendly dog and it is heartbreaking that she has gone through such a horrific experience.

"We just don’t know why someone would do this to an innocent.

“The vets removed the bolt from her leg and she is making a good recovery,” he added.

The dog was microchipped, but the charity has not been able to find the owner via the details on the chip.

Mr Holman said the name of the dog listed on the chip was Nala.

He said: "She was found at around 07:30, next to the river on the road, near to the golf course.”

The charity said weapon attacks on animals have become more common and saw a 23% rise in reports in 2023 compared with 2022.

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