A nine-month-old Staffordshire Bull-Terrier called Patch was found by a member of the public tied to a tree in the woods off Old Saw Mill Lane, Amersham, last week.

Patch is microchipped but, after the RSPCA has made contact with the owner, they confirmed the dog had been sold six months earlier.

The RSPCA are now appealing for help to find Patch’s most recent owner.

She is described as a white female, of big build with black hair and in her early 40s. She had five children and met the original owner in Plantation Walk in Hemel Hempstead.

RSPCA inspector Rachel Smith said: “Patch was obviously distraught at being abandoned but was so friendly, even so.

“Once I gave him some food and released him from the tree he was tied to, he just wanted to play. He is such a lovely dog.

“He has no injuries and is in good condition. We do not know how long he was there for.

“He is now in the care of the RSPCA and is making steps in recovering from the distress of being abandoned.

“If anyone knows anything about where Patch came from then we urge them to contact us on 0300 123 8018.”