Farewell to river ordeal dog Bella

A GERMAN Shepherd who survived being tied to a boulder and nearly drowning in the River Trent has passed away peacefully at the home of her owners.

Bella, pictured right, was rescued from the River Trent near Long Lane, Farndon, near Newark, on January 6, when two dog walkers saw her struggling in the water after she was left to drown with her lead tied to a large rock submerged in the water.

The dog, who was ten years old at the time of the ordeal, had since recovered after being nursed back to health by the RSPCA, and had been living with her new owners Maggie Mellish and Charlie Douglas in Derbyshire.

In a Facebook post, RSPCA Radcliffe Animal Centre, where she had been looked after while the charity and police launched an investigation to find who was responsible, said: “It is with a heavy heart that we bring you the sad news of Bella’s passing.

“Our beautiful and courageous friend was peaceful at home with her owners. We have been truly blessed in caring for her and proud to have been part of her story.

“We will be ever thankful to her owners Maggie and Charlie for welcoming her into their home our amazing team dedicated to her recovery and of course to Jane and Joanne her heroic rescuers.

“We will remember Bella as happy in her new home surrounded by love, kindness and respect. That is all we ever wanted for her and we are comforted that this is where she found peace and was finally able to let go.

“Love to you always Bella, you will never be forgotten.”

Earlier this year, Charlene Latham, of Bentinck Close, Ollerton, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and was given a community order of 12 months, 10 rehabilitation activity days, and a fine of £80.

Her ex-partner pleaded not guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal in November last year.