Wirral's independent local news website
The RSPCA is urging members of the public to come forward with information after the body of a badly injured dog, who had been set on fire, was found on Bidston Hill.
A member of the public made the horrific find in woodland on Bidston Hill at about 12.30pm last Sunday (12 March).
At first it was thought the body may have been that of a fox, but it was later confirmed to be a deceased female dog.
Thought to be a cross breed/bull type, she was so badly burnt that the only fur remaining was on her ears. From the details on her microchip – which are being followed up by the RSPCA – she was born in 2015.
Her intestines and ribs had been exposed and both legs had been ‘cleanly broken’ according to a vet who later carried out an examination for the RSPCA.
There were deep blows visible on her body and flesh also appeared to have been cut away from the back of her neck, possibly in an attempt to remove her microchip.
Visible track marks in the area suggest she may have dragged herself, or been pulled, for several metres afterwards.
The vet who looked at her for the RSPCA said it was not possible to tell whether she was already dead prior to being injured and set on fire.
RSPCA inspector Leanne Cooper, who is investigating the incident, said, “This is a shocking and senseless act of cruelty. The images of this poor dog are very difficult and distressing to look at. Someone out there knows what happened to her and we would urge anyone with first-hand information to contact us as a matter of urgency.
“She was microchipped, and I am following lines of enquiry in relation to that, but we’d appeal to people who have additional information that could help this investigation to contact us straight away.”
The RSPCA has thanked Pawprints Wildlife Rescue and Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm for their help and assistance with the investigation, as well as the member of the public who found the dog and raised the alarm.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018.
Image: GOOGLE
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