A French Bulldog has been found dead and dumped in a cardboard box near a canal.
The heartbreaking find was made by a member of the public, who went to investigate a strong smell behind a horse box in a secluded car park.
They discovered the body of a black-and-tan male French Bulldog, wrapped in a towel and placed inside a cardboard box.
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The poor pooch was underweight and had already begun decomposing, as reported by Need To Know.
The dog, found in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, in September, was scanned for a microchip, but none was registered, leaving rescuers unable to trace an owner.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “The location where this poor dog was found is very secluded, down a narrow lane by the canal.
“It looks like someone has deliberately placed him out of sight, which makes this incident particularly concerning.
Dead French Bulldog discovered dumped in cardboard box. (Jam Press/RSPCA)
Dead French Bulldog discovered dumped in cardboard box. (Jam Press/RSPCA)
“The dog’s body was already decomposing when we arrived, suggesting he had been there for several days.
“He was underweight and had no visible injuries, so we are keen to find out more about the circumstances that led to his death.”
The charity is now appealing for information, urging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Plantation Farm or Astley Street area between 24 and 29 September to come forward.
The RSPCA spokesperson added: “Perhaps someone saw a vehicle parked up or a person acting oddly around the lane near the canal.
“Even the smallest detail could help us piece together what happened to this poor dog.”
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