The RSPCA has launched an appeal after a dog was found dead in a Greater Manchester beauty spot.
The young Staffordshire Bull Terrier was discovered by a passerby in the water at Jumbles Reservoir in Bolton late last month.
The poor animal, who was a dark brindle/black colour with white markings, had signs of blunt force trauma to the head, and a prolapsed eye.
She had been in the reservoir for no more than two days but it’s not known whether she was alive or dead before she was found on 29 November.
The RSPCA is now asking the public to come forward with any information relating to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the dog’s death.
The passerby who found the dog at Jumbles Country Park took her to a vet, who contacted the RSCPA with concerns about her condition.
Due to the level of decomposition, it wasn’t possible to complete a more detailed examination but her death does appear to be suspicious.
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.
Featured image: Geograph, David Dixon