MEET Primrose who now has a new spring in her step after being found cold and frightened tied up outside Dogs Trust Merseyside in the pouring rain.

The seven-year-old bassett hound was extremely ill and taken straight to the vets but after some love and care from staff at the rehoming centre she is now ready to move in with Culcheth couple Kirsty and Nigel Sayer.

Georgina Lowery, Dogs Trust Merseyside rehoming centre manager, said: “Primrose is the third bassett hound to have been tied up outside the centre in the last 15 months.

“We are unsure why we are seeing more bassett hounds abandoned so callously but it’s so sad to see.

“They are amazing dogs with lovely temperaments but have a reputation for being strong willed and owners need to put time into training.

“We urge owners to think carefully and research the breed before purchasing one.”