Investigation after dog's body found dumped in Bolton reservoir in 'suspicious circumstances'

An investigation has been launched after the body of a dog was found dumped in a reservoir in "suspicious circumstances".

The young female Staffordshire Bull Terrier was pulled from the water by a passerby and taken to a local vets where she was found to have signs of blunt force trauma to the head and a prolapsed eye.

It is believed she had been in Jumbles Reservoir in Bolton for no more than two days, but it is not known whether she was left alive or dead before being found on 29 November, the RSPCA said.

The animal charity has now begun an investigation, saying it believes the death appears to be "suspicious" due to her injuries.

It is now urging anyone with information on the dog, which was dark brindle/black in colour with white markings, or who may have seen anything, to come forward.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Lee Ferrans, who is looking into the incident, said: "Unfortunately this poor dog wasn’t microchipped so we haven’t been able to gather any further information that way.

"She’d suffered what looks like blunt force trauma to the head area, as one eye was prolapsed, but there was no sign of scuffing on her nails which could have pointed to a possible road traffic accident.

“We’d like to thank the kind member of the public for taking the action they did as this would have been an incredibly upsetting sight to come across.

"For the owners to seemingly dump their pet’s body in this way is appalling.

“We’d appeal to anyone who was in the area at that time and saw suspicious activity or has information that could help our investigation, to get in touch.”

The public can ring the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01400488. The dog was dark brindle/black in colour, with white markings.