In disturbing news, a woman has admitted to attempting to drown a dog in a cold river while tying a rock to its lead.
Gorgeous Belgian Shepherd Bella was discovered struggling in the freezing River Trent by a brave passer-by, who heroically dived in and saved the pup on January 6th this year.
Ten-year-old Bella was found up to her neck in water in Farndon, Nottinghamshire, with a carrier bag containing a rock tethered to her leash.
Having been rushed to the vets by Nottinghamshire police, the dog is now in good health.
Advert
Charlene Latham, 31, of Newark, Nottingham, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on November 23rd to admit the crime.
She pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal by attempting to drown the dog, which saw Bella immersed in icy cold water for a prolonged period.
Charlene has since been released on bail until her next court appearance on March 8, 2021, along with a 32-year-old man who has denied the same charge.
Advert
Chief Superintendent Rob Griffin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "This was a highly emotive incident that was understandably very shocking to the public.
"Thankfully Bella is reported to be doing well and is in very good hands.
"Animal cruelty is totally unacceptable and we will always support our colleagues in the RSPCA in whatever we can in their investigations."
An RSPCA spokesperson said at the time of the incident: "We are working with police following reports of a dog in the River Trent in Farndon with a carrier bag attached to her lead with a rock inside.
"Luckily a member of the public came across the Belgian Shepherd dog and was able to save her.
"We have found the dog was microchipped in 2010 and her name is Bella and she is aged 10."
Advert
Thank god Bella is safe and in good hands now!
Featured Image Credit: SWNSTopics: Life News, Life, Real Life, Animals, Dogs