A dead dog was found dumped “like a worthless piece of litter” in Dalston after suffering a blow to the head.
The RSPCA is now concered for the puppies of the young brindle greyhound dog after she was found by a shocked walker on Wednesday morning at about 8am.
The walker stumbled across a large pool of blood in an area of Sowerby Wood, off Lingyclose Road.
He went to investigate and found the bloodied body of the dog a few metres away.
The man reported the matter to the RSPCA and inspector Chris Towler was sent to the scene. He took the dog’s body to a nearby vet who confirmed the greyhound had died as a result of a blow to the head – consistent with either a blunt instrument or rock being used.
A scan revealed the dog was microchipped and called Lass and was three years old. Investigations showed she was originally registered to an address in Carlisle but the details have not been kept up to date.
Dog may have nursed puppies
An examination showed her teats were swollen which indicated she had nursed puppies recently.
Chris believes the dog may have been taken to the area to be deliberately killed and is now appealing to find out who is responsible for the ‘abhorrent act’.
He is also now very concerned about the welfare of the puppies and is keen to trace their whereabouts.
Chris said: “This is a particularly horrific incident and I believe the person responsible may have taken this dog to the area to carry out this abhorrent act.
“Then to discard the body in a ditch like a worthless piece of litter is just beyond comprehension.
“This dog was in good bodily condition and I believe she had nursed pups recently which is why her teats were swollen.
“Maybe the person responsible had decided she had done her job in having puppies and decided to get rid of her while she was in the prime of her life.
“I am now very keen to trace who did this and find out where the puppies are now. They may be too young to be away from their mum and I am concerned about the wellbeing of her litter.
“I am appealing for anyone who knows of a person who had a dog of this description to get in contact with me.
“I am also keen to hear if someone knows of a person who has a litter of greyhound puppies of this description. They could have offered them for sale or visited the puppies.”
Evidence points to vehicle use
Chris says initial enquiries suggest a vehicle was used as there were some tyre marks in the undergrowth near the gate and some near where the attack took place.
The initial pool of blood was found about quarter of a mile away from the gated entrance to the woods, off Lingley Close, in a small clearing.
Lass’ body was found a few metres away in a ditch and as there was no significant blood trail, so it is believed the body was carried to the ditch.
Chris added: “This is a popular area with dog walkers so I am keen to see if anyone saw anything suspicious in this area in the lead up to Lass’ body being found. The blood appeared fresh so we believe the attack was carried out that morning.”
Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.
