RSPCA issues appeal after dead dog is stashed in suitcase and left in Salford woodland

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The RSPCA has issued a public appeal for information after the body of a dog has been found stashed in a suitcase and left in Greater Manchester.

The elderly female Boxer-cross was discovered by a member of the public.

According the the RSPCA, the member of the public found the black and white checked suitcase abandoned in a wooded area near to Malcolm Drive in the Clifton area of Swinton on the afternoon of Friday 16 December at around 2:30pm, and was horrified to find the dog’s head hanging out of the side of the unzipped bag.

The deceased canine – which has not been microchipped – has white and merle coloured fur with a patch of grey around her face, and was also found to have an enlarged stomach and blood in the mouth when discovered.

Inside the suitcase, a black jacket with a distinctive striped waist trim was also found stashed – which is pictured below.

The black jacket with a distinctive striped waist trim also found stashed with the dog’s body / Credit: RSPCA

The cause of death is currently not known, according to the RSPCA.

This is why the animal welfare charity has now issued a public appeal for information, with investigating RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Jess Pierce confirming that the dog’s death is being treated as suspicious due to the way the body was disposed of.

She explained: “It does look strange the way this poor dog has been left with her head protruding out of the suitcase in a remote location, which raises suspicions as to how the pet died.

“It is horrible that a dog was left in this state the week before Christmas and we would like to trace her owners or anyone who might know how she came to be where she was found.

“It may be that her owner couldn’t afford to take her to the vets or dispose of her body properly because of cost of living issues. But, if that was the case, then there is no need to take such a drastic course of action as there is help and advice available from the RSPCA and a number of other charities about veterinary costs and end-of-life decisions.”

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Anyone with any information about the circumstances surrounding the dog’s death should contact the RSPCA appeals line number on 0800 123 8018.

Featured Image – RSPCA