January 6, 2020 3.40 pm This story is over 49 months old

Woman arrested after attempted dog drowning near Lincoln

Bella was found with a rock tied to her neck

Police have arrested a woman after a dog was found drowning in the River Trent with a rock tied to its neck.

UPDATE: Nottinghamshire Police has now arrested a 31-year-old woman on suspicion of animal cruelty offences.

As previously reported, Newark Police condemned those responsible for trying to kill the Belgian Shepherd in an “evil and nasty” way on the morning of Monday, January 6.

Police have now arrested a 31-year-old woman on suspicion of animal cruelty offences, but the force is still appealing for information.

A passer-by spotted the dog, whose was registered as Bella in 2010, in Farndon in Newark at 8.45am and managed to drag her to safety.

This was the stone.

The dog has now been videoed eating at a local vet but was found with a carrier bag tied to her lead with a large rock inside.

Officers investigating the crime have appealed for anyone who recognises the dog or saw anything suspicious in the area to come forward.

Bella is now recovering. Photo: Newark Police

PC Adam Pace said: “Whilst the dog is still quite poorly she has been showing some encouraging signs by eating so hopefully she will be on the mend.

“This was an evil and nasty thing to do to this poor dog and we are making every effort to find out who is responsible.

“If anyone has dash-cam or CCTV footage of vehicles in Long Lane that may show who was in the area at the time that would be really helpful.”

Anyone who can help the police with the investigating has been urged to call 101 and quote incident number 103 of January 6.