Carrier containing dead dog weighed down in pond

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A dead dog has been found inside a carrier that was weighed down with a brick and placed in a Telford pond, the RSPCA has said.

The animal charity said the dog, an eight-year-old female brindle and white boxer-bulldog cross breed, was found by a member of the public on the grounds of the disused Madeley Court Hotel on Court Road in Madeley on Sunday.

It said the dog was microchipped but no owner details were known.

"It appears a brick has been used to try and weigh down the body but it wasn't enough as the large black carrier she was in was visible and spotted. There was also a red blanket inside the carrier," said animal rescue officer John Groarke.

"At this stage it's difficult to tell when and how the dog died," Groarke said.

"We don't know if the dog was dead before she was put in the pond or not, but she doesn't have any obvious injuries and trauma - the vet who examined her said she was bloated but this was gas and not water."

Groarke added that there was no CCTV available of the area, and urged people to get in touch with the charity if they had information.

"This is clearly a suspicious situation," he said.

"The area is a popular dog walking spot as a path passes the pond, so we are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to help with our inquiries."

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