AN ADORABLE dog was “fly-tipped” at the roadside by a suspected thief.

Shocked drivers spotted the distressed pooch near the A23 London Road in Bolney and alerted the RSPCA that the two-year-old red spitz had been dumped alongside bags of rubbish.

RSPCA inspector Rachel Smith came to the rescue of the dog and said it was a “miracle” it had not run into the road.

Rachel said: “The poor little dog had been fly-tipped along with bags of rubbish like a broken fridge or an old mattress.

“The two-year-old was spotted frantically barking at the rubbish sacks and was clearly very distressed at being left behind.

“The dog had been left in an extremely dangerous spot in a lay-by on the slip road from London Road on to the A23, a very fast and busy dual carriageway.

“It’s a miracle that, in such a distressed state, the little dog didn’t panic and run into the road either getting hit by a car or causing a huge accident.”

Despite being abandoned, the dog was in a good condition with a healthy and well-groomed coat.

The RSPCA found the dog was “extremely friendly and affectionate” but had no microchip so its owners could not be traced.

Rachel said: “My suspicion is that this little dog, who is quite a desirable ‘designer’ breed may have been stolen from his rightful owners and has been dumped by the thief.

“I don’t want to say too much about the little dog - including whether it’s a male or a female - as I’d like to hear from anyone who believes the Spitz may belong to them or may have been stolen orgone missing.

“I’m following up several leads as to who is responsible for fly-tipping this poor little dog in such an irresponsible and dangerous manner and would also like to hear from anyone who saw what happened or who knows who may be responsible to call our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

The red spitz is currently being cared for by the RSPCA as the animal charity’s officers investigate the horrific incident.

If no owner comes forward, the dog will be rehomed.