A man was caught dragging a dachshund around a shop by the scruff of its neck in sickening CCTV footage.
The tiny dog does not appear to want to go any further down the aisle when the owner picks it up off the floor.
Its little body helplessly flops by its owner’s side as he goes on shopping, picking up some drinks before heading to the tills.
A shocked shopper alerted the RSPCA who have launched an investigation to trace the man.
He was filmed between midday and 12.30pm on 15 February at the Co-Op in Turpin Avenue, Romford, Essex.
Inspector Jemima Cooper is leading the probe, and said: ‘We were contacted by another customer in the shop who was concerned by the man’s treatment of the dog so I visited and spoke to staff who reviewed the CCTV and found this upsetting footage.
‘The little dog doesn’t seem to want to go into the shop but is dragged in and along the aisles.
‘While the man is casually perusing the shelves he grabs the dog by his neck and picks him up before carrying him around the store as he continues his shopping.
‘This is no way to handle or carry a dog and could be extremely painful and uncomfortable for the dog.’
Anyone who recognises the man or the dog should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line by calling 0300 123 8018 and leaving a message for Inspector Cooper.
She added: ‘I’m really keen to speak to this man and would ask that anyone who knows him or saw what happened on the day to get in touch.’
He was dressed in a black baseball cap, black trainers with a grey sweatshirt and grey jogging bottoms.
