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A terrified dog was lucky to avoid injury after it was reportedly dumped from a van and neglected on a business park.

The blue sable Shar Pei dog was left near the IG Doors premises in Lon Gellideg, Oakdale, at around 11.30am on Saturday February 18.

A woman who was walking her dog at the time saw the doors of a black transit van open and the Shar Pei appear by the side of the road, before the van drove off down a dead end and then back in the opposite direction.

Despite her best efforts to help the dog, he evaded capture for several hours and was running in and out of traffic on nearby roads and onto open land behind the business park.

RSPCA Cymru is now appealing for information about the incident. Its deputy chief inspector, Emma Smith, joined the woman and other residents in trying to help bring the dog to safety.

The dog was eventually secured with a lead and taken for a check up at the vets. He is now in the care of the local authority.

Ms Smith said: “Unsurprisingly, this poor dog was petrified and bewildered by what had happened to him and he spent a long time running loose in the area, despite the concerted efforts of concerned members of the public who had stopped to assist.”

She said the dog was “extremely fortunate he wasn’t injured or ended up causing an accident in the fading light”.

“From the information that we have, it would appear that someone has deliberately dumped him from their van and then driven off without a second thought for his welfare.”

She thanked the dog walker who “stayed and spent a long time in the area trying to catch him” and the man “who kindly assisted with the rescue and was the one [the dog] eventually decided to go to”.

“She continued: “Everyone’s efforts almost certainly saved him from potential injury and further distress.

“If people are struggling to cope with their animals we’d urge them to seek help and advice rather than taking the sort of heartless action we’ve seen here.”   

Anyone who recognises the Shar Pei or has information about the van – which is described as having business type writing along the side – can contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line in confidence on 0300 123 8018.