Arrests made after dog saved from drowning in Trent

Two arrests have been made for animal cruelty offences following the rescue of a dog from the River Trent this morning. A large stone had been tied to the animal’s collar and it was rescued by a member of the public.

Update: 6.20pm

A 32-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty offences, this is the second arrest today in relation to this incident.

Police have confirmed that the dog, reported to be called Bella, is still being looked after.

Update: 3.30pm

A 31-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty offences after a dog was found drowning in the River Trent this morning.

Police have added that the dog appears to be recovering and has managed to eat whilst in veterinary care.

Watch: Bella recovering after being rescued from the River Trent. Video: Nottinghamshire Police

The Belgian Shepherd, whose registered microchip name is Bella, was spotted in the water and dragged to safety by a woman near Long Lane, Farndon, at around 8.45am today (Monday 6 January). 

She had a carrier bag containing a large rock tied to her lead when she was found. 

She has been taken by Nottinghamshire Police to a local vet where she is receiving care. 

Officers investigating the incident are appealing for anyone who recognises this dog or saw anything suspicious in the area at the time to come forward as soon as possible. 

PC Pace, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "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. We are lucky that the kind member of the public found and rescued her. 

The rock which was in the carrier bag Bella was found tied to.

"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. 

"We are working with the RSPCA and are conducting microchip enquiries. Her name was recorded in 2010 as Bella on her microchip but it is possible she may be known by another name if her owner has changed since then. If anyone recognises her and knows who owns her please get in touch on 101, quoting incident number 103 of 6 January 2020."