A puppy was tied up and abandoned in a church on the hottest day in September.

The four-month-old lurcher was found by a passer-by in Riverside, London Colney, when temperatures were reaching 30C.

The dog, which has been named Elle, was severely malnourished when she was found on September 14.

RSPCA inspector Helen Mead, who is investigating, said: “Poor Elle could have been left there tied up for hours because she might have been dumped the night before.

“She was very vulnerable being out there in the open on her own - I dread to think what could have happened if she hadn’t been found.

“Dogs suffer when left in the hot sun like this as they can develop heat stroke, which can kill.”

Elle is now in the RSPCA’s care and it is hoped she will make a full recovery. The RSPCA is now urging people to come forward with information.

Inspector Mead said: “Somebody consciously made the decision to tie up an innocent dog and leave her there with no intention of going back.

“It is heartbreaking that somebody decided to do that and we are very keen to find out who did this.”

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Inspector Helen Mead.