The RSPCA has raised "significant concerns" as a controversial dog trainer plans to visit Saffron Walden on his UK tour.

Augusto Deoliveira, known as 'The Dog Daddy', reportedly uses aversive training techniques and equipment designed to cause pain and fear in dogs.

His website is now advertising that he is holding workshops in Saffron Walden on Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7 - however venues have not been confirmed.

At previous events, his venues have not been confirmed until hours before the show.

Last year the US-based dog trainer was due to hold a London workshop - however this was cancelled the day before.

Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA dog welfare expert, said: "The RSPCA is concerned about The Dog Daddy’s training techniques and we are urging people to make a stand against this.

"We, like many organisations, have significant concerns about the use of aversive training techniques and equipment such as prong collars, which are designed to cause pain and fear. These can compromise welfare and are completely unnecessary.

"We promote and recommend reward-based training techniques that dogs like or enjoy and have been shown to be very effective in achieving long-term change in behaviour without compromising dog welfare. 

"We have previously written to Mr Deoliveira to raise our concerns with him, as well as making him aware of the legislation in both England and Wales of which he must comply with when training dogs."

'The Dog Daddy' is also due to hold a workshop in Birmingham on Sunday, August 4 and Monday, August 5.

According to The Guardian, Mr Deoliveira - who demonstrates his training techniques on YouTube - has previously cancelled a tour in Australia due to backlash from animal rights groups.

Due to the secretive nature of the events, the RSPCA is asking anyone with information to pass this to them via social media, rather than on the charity's emergency line.

Dr Gaines added: "We are keen to discuss our concerns with the venues hosting this trainer, though these are yet to be advertised.

"Anyone with information can share this with us via our social media platforms."