AN animal charity is appealing for information after the body of a dog was found dumped in the Bridgewater Canal, Lymm.

The RSPCA is urging people to come forward following the discovery of the female grey-coloured Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog by a member of the public on Friday, April 3 close to the canal’s Lloyd Bridge near Oughtrington Lane.

Her front two legs had been tied together with black fabric cord that had been attached to her black collar.

The two-year-old dog, who had no other wounds, was removed from the canal by RSPCA inspectors and taken to a vet, who concluded she had been in the water for around three days.

She had been microchipped, showing she was originally registered to an address in Huddersfield and was called Bella.

Inspectors are keen to trace a young couple from South Manchester aged between 25 and 30 who took Bella into their care last November.

RSPCA inspector Nadine Pengilly said: “This is a strange and shocking incident which we’re keen to get to the bottom of as soon as possible.

“The dog seemed in a good, healthy condition which suggests she may once have belonged to someone.

“It’s difficult to tell whether the dog was dead or alive when she was thrown in the water. Because of the way she was bound, it’s clear this wasn’t an accident.

“We are now trying to determine how this dog met such an unfortunate end.”

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA cruelty and advice line in confidence on 0300 1234999.