THE RSPCA is appealing for information after reports a stray dog was thrown in a beck in Thirsk.

The animal welfare charity was called on March 19 by a man who claimed to have seen a dog being deliberately thrown into Cod Beck.

RSPCA inspector Claire Mitchell, who is investigating, said: “We’d like to speak to the man and woman pictured in the CCTV image as we believe they may hold important information which could help our investigation.

The Northern Echo:

The man and woman the RSPCA want to trace

“A man later called us after seeing a man throw a dog into the nearby river.

"The caller pulled the dog out of the water and confronted the man who said the dog wouldn’t stop following him so he thought if he threw her into the river she would swim to the other side and he could leave.

“Luckily, the little dog wasn’t injured and the man who rescued her was able to track down her owners.”

The seven-year-old bitch, called Roxy, who had got loose and ended up roaming Thirsk was reunited with her relieved owners and was not injured.

“Thankfully this has a happy ending as Roxy was returned home and doesn’t seem any worse for wear following her ordeal,” Inspector Mitchell said.

“However, I’d be grateful if anyone who recognises the people pictured or who saw Roxy being thrown into the river, to get in touch with us by calling the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”