RSPCA appeal after dog 'strangled and punched'

News imageRSPCA A woman with brownish red hair is wearing a black coatRSPCA
The RSPCA wants to speak to this woman in connection with the report

The RSPCA has launched an investigation into reports a dog was punched and strangled in Leicester.

The charity said a witness reported seeing a woman hit and punch the animal "several times" at the play area in St Nicholas Circle at about 09:00 BST on Sunday.

The dog was also allegedly pinned to the ground and strangled, the RSPCA added.

The charity has released images of a woman it would like to speak to as part of its investigation.

RSPCA inspector Lynn Serrano said: "This sounds like a very distressing incident and we are keen to establish what happened.

"We are concerned about the welfare of the dog involved and would urge anyone who may have witnessed what happened to contact us.

"We've also released an image of a woman who was in the vicinity at the time - as we believe she may hold information which can support us with our inquiries."

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