A DOG was “scared and shaking” after being found tied to a tree near an animal shelter.

Bruce, a Dogue de Bordeaux cross rottweiler, was spotted by a member of the public who contacted the RSPCA after finding near the charity's Ashley Heath Animal Centre on Tuesday morning.

RSPCA inspector Jo Story said: “Bruce has a microchip but the details are not update so we do not know if he has previously been lost, or perhaps even stolen.

“He was very scared and shaking when he was first found, with no sign of an owner around.

“We’re not sure how long he was there as people could have driven by and not seen him. It was a dog who noticed him first and alerted its owner.

“We understand he is 16 months old and was most recently rehomed along with his sister to a woman in Bournemouth around four months ago, however we have been struggling to get in touch with them.

“We’re really keen to hear from anyone who recognises Bruce, knows where he came from, or who knows how he came to be left alone.

“He’s very affectionate and enjoys attention. He is a lovely dog.”

Anyone with information about Bruce is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Inspector Jo Story.