A POORLY puppy named Boza who was living on the streets may have been “sold without consent” outside the Last Post in Southend, it is feared.

A frantic search has now been launched by Essex Police and Charlie Boys Angels charity, which supports homeless and vulnerable individuals with their animals across Southend.

Boza was found in a worrying condition living with a homeless man sleeping rough on Southend cliffs and the charity took ownership of the dog and arranged for it to go into foster care.

Founder of the charity, Lynne Channell, also helped arrange for the man to have temporary accommodation in a hotel.

However, both the man and the dog have disappeared and police have launched an investigation into the dog, named Boza, “being sold without consent”.

CCTV footage has shown the dog was “sold outside the Last Post in Southend” on Saturday morning.

Lynne said the dog was “full of worms and wasn’t microchipped” when they came across him.

She added: “We made the decision together to put little Boza into foster care.

“He was microchipped to the charity at the vets, which places us as the owner, so we could then find a foster placement.

“Boza was due to be collected to go into foster care when we found the man decided to sell him.

“We are absolutely devastated that he felt he had no option but to sell the dog, but we need Boza safe.”

The social media appeal has since had thousands of shares in a bid to locate Boza.

Lynne added: “He has only just had his first vaccine, and his second is due soon. We need to make sure he is safe.

“Boza is registered and chipped to our charity. We are extremely concerned for his safety.”

Charlie Boys Angels was founded back in 2017, and they help to provide homeless and vulnerable individuals and their pets with basic essentials such as food, toiletries and clothing, access to free veterinary treatment, and helping to find safe pet friendly accommodation in cases they are able too.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We have received a report relating to a dog having been sold without consent.

“We are assessing the report to establish the circumstances around it and have spoken to the person who reported it.

“Our enquiries are continuing.”