25 January 2013 Last updated at 10:41 ET

RSPCA tells of pit bull dog left near Basildon school

A pit bull terrier being left abandoned outside a school "beggared belief", a council has said.

Basildon Council said the dog was in an "appalling condition" with swollen feet, skin problems and blisters when she was found.

Pit bull terriers are a prohibited breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

After the dog was found opposite Fairhouse Junior School in Basildon on 10 January, a decision was made to have her put her down.

Richard Moore, responsible for animal control at the Conservative-controlled council, said: "It is highly irresponsible to abandon any dog in that condition, but to leave a prohibited breed which is subject to the Dangerous Dogs act outside a junior school where children play beggars belief."

An RSPCA spokesman said the dog was "treated appallingly" and abandoned when it "really needed help".