Dog 'stabbed to death' found in bin

We have launched an investigation after the bloodied body of a dog was found in a bin, with the animal believed to have been tragically stabbed to death.

Shocked youngsters made the horrific discovery in a bin at Cheetham Park, in Cheetham Hill, Greater Manchester, on Sunday 5 December.

The black female Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog was found wrapped in bloodied towels which had then been placed in a bin bag and dumped in the bin.

Officers are now investigating after a number of wounds on the side of her body suggest the poor dog - which was not microchipped - had been stabbed multiple times.

Inspector Debs Beats took the body to Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where a veterinary examination took place. This suggested the dog, aged about one to two years-old, had a number of knife wounds to the right hand side of her body and some on her back. 

At this stage the cause of death cannot be established but due to the blood loss it appears that the pet bled to death. It is also believed the dog may have recently had puppies due to her enlarged teats.

Debs said:

She added: "I am keen to find the person responsible and would like to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the weekend when the poor dog was found.

"She is mainly black in colour but has distinctive white marks on her chest and all her toes which I hope will help identify who she belonged to prior to this horrific attack. She was also wearing a rope collar and lead and it appears she may have had puppies due to her enlarged teats.

"I am hoping someone will be able to piece this information together to help identify the dog and hopefully find the person responsible for this horrific crime."

Anyone with information should report the matter to the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.