MARCH: Body of Staffordshire bull terrier pulled from River Nene with brick tied to it

THE body of a Staffordshire bull terrier has been pulled from the River Nene, in March, with a brick tied to it. The RSPCA has launched an appeal for information after the discovery by a drainage worker at 8am Monday. The male Staffie, believed to be less

THE body of a Staffordshire bull terrier has been pulled from the River Nene, in March, with a brick tied to its head.

The RSPCA has launched an appeal for information after the discovery by a drainage worker at 8am Monday.

The male Staffie, believed to be less than one year old, was found by drainage worker Paul Lee at a drainage depot close to Ash Beach Road.

It was wearing a distinctive reddish brown collar with large metal studs, attached to a green fabric slip-type lead, which had been tied to a brick.

The brindle-and-white coloured dog still had his baby teeth, and it is estimated that the dog's body had been in the water for approximately one week.

It is not currently known exactly how the dog died, but RSPCA inspector Jon Knight, investigating the incident, said: "It can usually be assumed that an animal found dead in a river with bricks tied to it was intentionally put there to drown. If this was the case, the dog would have suffered a distressing and painful death.

"This appears to be a callous and wholly unnecessary deliberate act of cruelty."

Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a �20,000 fine.

• Anyone who knows anything about the dog and/or his owner should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999, and ask to leave a message for inspector Knight or Inspector Claire Kirk.