Animal lovers have hit out at police for shooting an abandoned dog that was tied to a telegraph pole after officers were too scared to approach it.

The dog, believed to be a Caucasian shepherd, was shot by a marksman after the decision was taken by police and the RSPCA to kill the animal.

The news that the dog had been shot sparked outrage with many asking why the animal was not sedated first after it was found in Hartlepool on Sunday.

A photograph of the shaggy-coated shepherd is being circulated with the caption "you did not deserve to die” on social media.

Clare Pittman who was at the scene described it as a “travesty” adding that onlookers made attempts to stop Cleveland Police from killing the animal.