THIS is the adorable pooch which was left chained to a fence and abandoned by her heartless owner.

Residents crowded around 'Barbara' in shock when they discovered her chained up in Prospect Park, Reading, on Tuesday.

The frightened brindle crossbreed was first found by another dog walker who immediately called the RSPCA for help.

Animal rescuers approached the frightened dog, who has "only known cruelty".

Now, a hunt is on to track down the person who dumped her in order to bring them to justice.

Reading Chronicle:

Barbara was dumped in Prospect Park

Animal collection officer Phil Hamilton, who helped rescue Barbara, said: "The dog warden was doing her best to get close to her but she was really frightened so some members of the public kindly helped.

“One man spent ages gaining her trust so he could get closer and closer to her.

“I went along to help and we all managed to work together to get her into my van.

“It’s not surprising she was so frightened. She’d been tied to a fence post in the car park with a bowl of water and someone has simply walked away and left her.

“Someone has reported possibly seeing her tied up there last night so we’re not sure how long she’d been there.”

Thankfully, Barbara is now being cared for by staff at RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre.

She was seen by a vet after animal officers suspected she could have been pregnant.

Reading Chronicle:

Barbara is said to be responding well after being taken into care

RSPCA is determined to track down the person responsible for dumping Barbara.

Anyone with information should call 0300 123 8018 and leave a message.

Mr Hamilton added: "We don’t know where Barbara has come from or what her story is.

“I’d like to thank everyone who helped us get her to safety and for showing her such kindness as, I suspect, she’s known only cruelty.

“The RSPCA has now launched an investigation and would like to hear from anyone who recognises Barbara or who saw anything suspicious in the area on Monday night or Tuesday morning.”

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing dogs like Barbara, please donate by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/give