ANIMAL welfare workers fear that a dog which was saved from drowning by a seal could have been pushed into the River Tees.
The German shepherd-cross hit the headlines earlier this week after passer-by Chris Hinds watched the seal nudge it to safety when it got into difficulties near Newport Bridge, in Middlesbrough.
Lifeboats carried out an extensive search of the Tees to ensure the dog's owner was not in trouble, but no one was found.
Despite appeals, no one has come forward to claim the dog and carers at the RSPCA centre in Great Ayton now think he could be an unwanted pet.
RSPCA inspector Laura Glover said yesterday: "The way my mind works I start to think maybe the dog was pushed into the river. We don't know why the dog was in the water but we have heard nothing at all from anyone, and I'm starting to suspect that it could have been deliberate."
The owner or anyone who recognises the dog is asked to call the RSPCA centre on (01642) 724016
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