A PUPPY found abandoned tied to a tree in a park could be destroyed because it is the "wrong breed".
Dog-lover Derek Collison discovered a male pitbull/bull mastiff-cross tied to a tree with rope in South Norwood Country Park last Wednesday.
Mr Collison, 52, walks his two labradors round the park every day, but was horrified to find the young dog choked by its lead and with bloodshot eyes.
He waited with the dog and called the council, RSPCA and police, who each said it was not their responsibility.
After two hours, Mr Collison cut the dog loose and took him to Foxgrove Veterinary Surgery in Beckenham, where they called Croydon Council's dog wardens to take him.
The last thing he was told by wardens was that the dog would be destroyed – even though Mr Collinson had already found someone offering him a new home.
Mr Collison, of Vincent Road, East Croydon, said he was livid about the dog's abandonment and that whoever was responsible should be locked up.
He said: "It's disgusting. How could anyone do this to what seemed to be such a lovely dog in good nick? There's a chance it could have been stolen, but that seems unlikely.
"The poor thing was just sitting there trying to get away. He was being strangled by his lead and was very distressed.
"You hear bad things about these types of dogs, but he was good as gold once I cut him off and gave him some treats."
Mr Collison thinks the owners may live nearby because when he took the dog down Harrington Road, South Norwood, he appeared to know where he was going.
The Royal Mail manager, who used to prefer cats, added: "I think he probably knew the way home. Dogs are so loyal. I don't know what sort of horrible person would do this.
"How would they like being tied to a tree by its neck for hours?"
It is illegal in the UK to own certain types of dog, including those with the characteristics of a pitbull terrier.
Mr Collison said: "I know they have a bad name, but this dog doesn't deserve that. He was a friendly little thing.
"I'd have taken him if I didn't have the other two. A guy on one of the Palace message boards said he would love to have him because his dog died recently.
"Why destroy a dog when it could have a loving home?"
A council spokeswoman said if the dog is confirmed as a 'dangerous dog' the authority has no choice but to have it destroyed.
