August 18, 2017 4.42 pm This story is over 78 months old

Dog pictured on Lincoln High Street ‘not mistreated or stolen’, police believe

A dog that was seized in Lincoln yesterday following claims the animal was being beaten on the High Street ‘is not believed to have been mistreated or stolen’, police said. Officers yesterday took the dog, named Reggie, after allegations that two men had been kicking and punching the animal created a surge of anger on social media.…

A dog that was seized in Lincoln yesterday following claims the animal was being beaten on the High Street ‘is not believed to have been mistreated or stolen’, police said.

Officers yesterday took the dog, named Reggie, after allegations that two men had been kicking and punching the animal created a surge of anger on social media.

The boxer cross staff was taken by RSPCA officers for assessment.

A Lincolnshire Police spokesperson said on Friday, August 18: “Having investigated we believe this dog has not been mistreated or stolen and his owner was playing with him.

“He is currently with the RSPCA who are looking after his welfare.”

Reports first came in to the force of an incident at around 10pm on Wednesday, August 16.

Local resident Charlene Carlisle took to social media to explain that her two daughters and their friend had been on the High Street.

They claimed to have seen two men kicking and punching a dog “so severely it collapsed”.

She added that police had attended that night and come to the conclusion the animal had no injuries. They were told the young dog had been ‘play fighting’.

Police returned to the city centre on Thursday to seize the dog. They also released an appeal asking for witnesses to come forward to video footage, as well as a plea to find his owner.

UPDATE: An RSPCA spokesperson said, “An RSPCA officer and an independent vet have now viewed CCTV footage of this alleged incident, and both are happy that it shows two men playing with a dog.

“The dog – who we understand is called Reggie – seems to be generally excited and having a good time.

“Reggie has been checked over by the vet and found to be happy and healthy.

“He is being looked after by the RSPCA at the moment but we hope to be able to return him to his owner soon. We’d like to hear from them on 0300 123 8018.”