August 24, 2017 4.11 pm This story is over 79 months old

Just playing: RSPCA return dog to owner after social media abuse claims

Reggie, the boxer staffie cross has been reunited with his owners

RSPCA officers have said they are happy that two men and a dog pictured on Lincoln High Street were playing and that no harm came to the animal.

The charity returned the dog named Reggie to its owner after the men were accused of punching and kicking the dog on social media.

RSPCA officers, an independent vet and a prosecution case manager have all reviewed CCTV of the alleged incident and concluded the animal was not harmed in any way.

The dog was seized by police after a post online accused them of beating him on Lincoln High Street on August 17.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “Reggie has now been returned to his owner, and both were clearly very happy to see each other.

“Police, an RSPCA officer, an independent vet and an RSPCA prosecution case manager have all viewed CCTV of this alleged incident, and agree that it shows two men playing with a dog.

“Reggie seems to be generally excited and having a good time with the two men in the footage. At no time does it show him being harmed in any way.

“Reggie was checked over by the vet whilst in RSPCA care and found to be a very happy and healthy dog.”