The day began like any other for Al Winstanley, as he took his dogs for their morning walk in Coningsby, Lincolnshire.
But things quickly took a turn when he heard a muffled bark coming from the water. Peering into the stream, he couldn't believe what he saw.
The ultimate cruelty
A male Yorkshire Terrier had not only been abandoned in the water. In the ultimate act of cruelty, the person who left him there had taped his mouth shut, sentencing him to the most unthinkable fate.
Thankfully, Al arrived just in time, pulling the panicked little Terrier to safety.
"I saw a little face among the reeds in the water. I zoomed my camera phone in and could see a little head, and then it became apparent to me it was a dog with duct tape around its mouth".
The kind samaritan quickly called in friends for assistance, and the little dog was taken to the vet as quickly as possible.
A second chance at happiness
The vet checked the Terrier over. He was shaken up by his ordeal, but overall he was healthy. And at only 2-years-old, he was ready for a second chance at happiness.
"It was clear the dog had been thrown in the river", explained Al. "I am angry that someone could have done that".
UK Animal Cruelty Files, who shared the shocking story to Facebook, urged anyone with information to contact the RSPCA or East Lindsey District Council dog warden service.
In the meantime, the dog was found to have no microchip, and he has since found a loving home.
