The body of a dead bull breed type dog has been found in a Walthamstow park, prompting the RSPCA to appeal to the public for help.
The black and white large male dog was found by a member of the public under a tree in Cheney Row Park on Friday (5 September), between 4pm and 6pm.
It is thought the body of the dog had been there some while – as the body was badly decomposed with maggots.
There was no microchip, or collar – and the dog was not wearing a lead or harness. However, the charity is urging people who may have seen anything to contact their inspectorate appeal line immediately.
Animal Rescue Officer Nicola Thomas, who is leading an investigation into the incident, said: “We’re grateful to the member of the public who found this poor dog and sounded the alarm.
“Sadly, there were no identifiers at all – no chip, collar, lead, or anything, so we’re urging anyone with information to come forward. The circumstances in which this dog’s body was found are clearly a potential cause for concern, and we are looking into what may have happened here.
“Anyone who has any information about a large bull breed dog in the Cheney Row Park area is urged to contact us on 0300 123 8018.”
The incident comes after serious acts of animal cruelty were highlighted as part of the RSPCA’s Summer Cruelty Appeal. Last September, the charity took 1,989 calls about animal abandonments across England and Wales – and this latest incident in London suggests problems continue.
Nicola added: “Summer should be a season of joy for animals. But there’s a side to summer you don’t see. For thousands of animals, it’s a season of pain, fear and suffering, when cruelty peaks – which is why we’ve been so grateful to everyone who has supported our Summer Cruelty Appeal this year.”
