AN animal lover is calling for help to rescue an abandoned dog, claiming it is only a matter of time before an accident happens.

The tan lurcher was dumped in the Willington area of County Durham on Monday, March 9, and witnesses have reported teenagers throwing Yorkshire puddings into the path of passing cars in an attempt to get the dog knocked down.

Despite long hours searching and many sightings a Durham County Council dog warden and volunteers from charities Stray Aid and Stray Action have been unable to catch the terrified animal.

Dog fosterer Christine Kipling is one of the volunteers searching for the animal and is urging others to help by keeping a look out and reporting any sightings.

She said: “It’s constantly dodging traffic and it’s only a matter of time before an accident happens. “It could be the dog that gets hit by a car or a driver could swerve to miss it.

“We’ve tried to tempt it with food but it’s so scared and very people shy.

“People have got close but it legs it as soon as they touch her.”

The dog is often seen near Mulligan’s Skip Hire and Recycling in Chapel Street, Stanley Crook, as well as on the back road between Willington and Stanley Crook.

Anyone who spots the dog or who would like to help with the search can contact Ms Kipling on 07894449580.