Urgent investigation after young dog found dead in beauty-spot reservoir in 'suspicious circumstances'

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog has been found dead in a beauty-spot reservoir, sparking an urgent RSPCA investigation. The charity said the young female had signs of 'blunt force trauma to the head and a prolapsed eye'.

A passer-by made the shocking discovery at Jumbles Reservoir in Bolton late last month. The RSPCA said there were 'suspicious circumstances' and revealed an urgent probe was underway.

A spokesperson said: "The young female dog was retrieved from the water by a passerby and taken to a local veterinary practice. She had signs of blunt force trauma to the head and a prolapsed eye.

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"It's believed she had been in the reservoir for no more than two days, but it's not known whether she was alive or dead at the time prior to being found on 29 November.

"Concerned by her condition, the RSPCA was contacted by the vet and an officer collected the dog’s body, which was taken to the charity’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital. A more detailed examination wasn’t possible because of the level of decomposition, but due to the injuries her death appears suspicious."

The dog was dark brindle/black in colour, with white markings.

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.”

Call the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01400488.