latest on dog rescued from River Trent near Newark

A dog rescued from drowning in the River Trent after being tied to heavy rock is making steady progress, the RSPCA has revealed.

Bella, a Belgian Shepherd, was saved, after being pulled free by Jane Harper who had been out walking three dogs with her friend Joanne Bellamy on Monday, January 6.

The poor pooch had been seen resting her head on a step as she struggled to stay afloat after her lead was attached to carrier bag containing a heavy rock.

The exhausted animal was immediately handed over to police who rushed her to an emergency vet for treatment.

Jane Harper pulled Bella out of the River Trent

Woman who pulled drowning dog free of River Trent after lead was weighed down by a rock insists ‘I am not a hero’

The 10-year-old pooch, whose name was discovered from a microchip registered in 2010, has since been cared for my staff at the RSPCA’s Radcliffe Animal Centre.

And on Friday, January 31, an update on her condition was given by the charity.

Ella Carpenter, centre manager at Radcliffe, said: “ Bella continues to do well in our care. She does have some medical issues which we are carefully monitoring.

“She will remain in RSPCA care until we are happy her condition is stable, while at Radcliffe she can be monitored daily by our vets.

“She is enjoying plenty of fuss and attention from staff who have really taken to her. Once we are happy with her progress we will place her in an appropriate foster home.”

After the horrific incident was exposed, hundreds of well-wishers got in touch to express their sympathies to the dog.

Several have even offered to adopt her, however, Ms Carpenter has revealed that won’t be possible at this moment of time.

She added: “We have been inundated with good wishes and offers to re-home her.

“She is currently unavailable for re-homing but we would encourage people interested in adopting a dog to visit our Find A Pet page where there are hundreds of dogs looking for homes.

“We have also had offers of donations to support the work we do with all animals at the centre and if anyone wants to offer help they can email the animal centre at  info@rspca-radcliffe.org.uk ”

Nottinghamshire Police arrested a 31-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man on suspicion of animal cruelty offences hours after Bella was rescued from the river.

They have since been released while the RSPCA continue their investigation.