WARNING: Report contains upsetting images
The RSPCA is investigating after two shocking cases in which dogs were found dead having been seemingly weighed down in rivers by rocks or bricks.
The first incident was reported to the charity on Thursday (25 June) when a passerby found the body of a female lurcher-type puppy on the edge of a stream off Whitchurch Lane in Bristol.
RSPCA Inspector Kimily Walters, who is now investigating, said: “The walker who made the awful discovery said the dog’s legs were trapped underneath a big rock, like the rock had been positioned there to hold the body in place.
“The dog is only four to five-months-old and had no obvious injuries.
“It’s a very suspicious situation and I’m concerned about what this poor dog may have endured before her death and how she died so I’m keen to hear from anyone who might have information about what happened to her or where she came from.”
The young dog wasn’t microchipped and had no collar or tag on.
The following day (26 June), the RSPCA received a second call relating to the body of a dog who had been recovered from a river 150 miles away in Wrexham, Wales. The shocking discovery was reported to police who alerted the RSPCA.
Animal Rescue Officer Melanie Froude said: “A member of the public found the dog zipped inside a black Adidas sports bag which had been weighed down with a brick and two rocks.
“They bravely pulled the bag from the water and were shocked to find a dog’s body inside so they contacted the police who have asked us to investigate.
“It’s a very upsetting and suspicious incident so we’d like to ask any members of the public who may have information to contact us.”
The dog – a dark-coloured, unneutered male thought to be a pocket bully with a possible docked tail – was found in the bag, which had a white Adidas logo and stripes, in the River Dee near the A534 bridge.
The dog was microchipped but not registered and was wearing a black collar. The body was very bloated and partially decomposed from the water.
Anyone with information on either case should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
The RSPCA is reminding owners who may be struggling to seek help if they’re facing any problems with their pets, whether it’s seeking support from family or charities, getting advice from vets, or speaking to a behaviourist for support. There’s more advice for struggling families on our Cost of Living Advice Hub.
