RSPCA appeal after body of puppy found dumped in Cottingham

The RSPCA is appealing for information after the body of a young pup was found dumped in woodland in suspicious circumstances in Cottingham.

The grisly discovery was made by a member of the public on Sunday (9th March) when the body was found in a wooded area near the cemetery in Priory Road.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Caitlin Houston was sent to the scene and took the body of the female tan-coloured dog to a local vet’s for an examination.

The vet said the puppy was aged between 12 and 14 weeks old and there were no obvious signs of ill health.

The dog was not microchipped so the owner is unknown. Due to the suspicious nature in which the body was found the RSPCA are appealing for information to find out what happened to the dog and are concerned about any other pups in the litter which may need help.

“It must have been very upsetting for the member of the public to make this distressing discovery and we are keen to find out what happened to this dog,” said Ms Houston.

“The body was well hidden in woodland and was hard to find which is suspicious and although the body had decomposed due to the warm weather we could find no obvious health issues.

“We are concerned about what happened to this dog and are worried there could be other puppies from the same litter, or the mother of the dog may be in need of assistance and we are therefore appealing for help from the public.

“If anyone recognises the dog’s description or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area I’d ask them to contact me on 0300 123 8018 quoting incident 01465460.”