SHOCKED dog owners in Yarm hope to pay more than £1,000 to anyone with information leading to a prosecution of those responsible for a case of animal cruelty.

Dog owners from the Green Lane area got together with two animal welfare groups after reading last week's D&S Times report about a dog which was tied inside a plastic bag and dumped in a skip at Yarm station.

Concrete posts were dropped or placed on the elderly cross-bred Collie animal which was discovered just after 6pm on Sunday, February 3.

A passer-by heard it whimpering, and Great Ayton-based RSPCA Insp Garry Palmer was called to the scene. He was forced to put the dog to sleep due to external and internal injuries.

Speaking this week, he said: "A post-mortem was carried out which showed the dog was aged ten, which was older than we thought. It had a tumour and must have been ill beforehand.

"Somebody had tried to inject it with an anaesthetic chemical, possibly in an attempt to make it sleepy before they put it in a bag. The injection was done in a crude, inexperienced way.

"The bag and builder's skip were checked for fingerprints and forensic evidence by Darlington police officers who volunteered their services to the RSPCA. They are looking to see whether any match with police records."

Mr Palmer said the RSPCA was a charity and unable to pay rewards, but emphasised: "I think it's absolutely fantastic that people are willing to do something like this. It's a suberb gesture. The majority of people do care about animal welfare even though a small minority don't."

The Yarm group has been offered support from Saltburn's Save and Rescue Animals group and promised £1,000 by the National Animal Sanctuaries Support League at Newton Aycliffe.

They intend to boost the reward and offer it to anyone who provides information leading to a successful prosecution.

Information on the incident or support can be given to Jenny on 01642 888578, or anonymously to the RSPCA centre at Great Ayton or by calling 08705 555999.

Donations can also be given to the RSPCA through local centres, shops or by calling the above number. Money goes towards all aspects of the its work, including prosecutions