The dog, who didn’t have a microchip, was discovered by staff at Jasmil Kennels in Upchurch, near Sittingbourne, in Kent, on July 6. The accompanying note read: ‘Hello, pls can you take me inn as my owner has abandoned me after 10 years because I have not lernt to be good, so I have been returned here where he found me (sic).’

It ended by saying ‘thank you for looking after me, sorry for inconvenience’. Swale Borough Council Stray Dog Service posted photos of the dog and the letter on social media as they appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

They wrote: ‘This elderly black Labrador was found tied up to railings at Jasmil Kennels this morning. We would very much like to speak to the owner to establish why the dog has been abandoned.

‘If you recognise him and can be of any assistance, please contact the council in confidence. He will now be taken into our care.’

The post was shared thousands of times, with many social media users commenting to say how upset they were at the dog’s abandonment. One person asked if there was CCTV of the owner and was told there was none.

Another added: ‘They didn’t even bother to tell the kennels his name. Just sad. I despair of people. Even if you had issues. Couldn’t afford him at least inform a rescue. Give them as much information as possible apart from a c****y note saying he is naughty. Poor poor dog. Sorry no sympathy whatsoever for anyone that does this.’

A Swale council spokesman said: ‘If an owner is struggling with their dog,

this is not the way to deal with it.

‘Rehoming is the last option, but this isn’t the way to do it, so we would

appreciate any information we can get so we can speak to the owner.’