Dog Found in River Dee Inside Weighted Sports Bag
An investigation has been launched by the RSPCA after a dead dog was discovered dumped in the River Dee in Wrexham, zipped inside a black Adidas sports bag and weighed down with rocks. The incident occurred on June 26 near the A534 bridge at Holt, a popular walking spot, when a member of the public spotted the submerged bag and pulled it from the water.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Melanie Froude stated: "A member of the public found the dog zipped inside a black Adidas sports bag which had been weighed down with a brick and two rocks. They bravely pulled the bag from the water and were shocked to find a dog's body inside." The dog was a dark-coloured unneutered male, believed to be a pocket bully—a smaller variant of the American bully breed—and its tail may have been docked.
Similar Discovery in Bristol Just One Day Earlier
This disturbing find came just 24 hours after a strikingly similar incident in Bristol, where a lurcher-type puppy, aged four to five months, was discovered at the edge of a stream off Whitchurch Lane. The puppy's legs were pinned beneath a large rock, and the body was severely bloated and partially decomposed due to water exposure. The animal had no microchip, collar, or tag.
RSPCA inspector Kimily Walters, leading the Bristol investigation, said: "The walker who made the awful discovery said the dog's legs were trapped underneath a big rock like the rock had been positioned there to hold the body in place. It's a very suspicious situation and I'm concerned about what this poor dog may have endured before her death and how she died."
RSPCA Appeals for Information
The RSPCA is urging anyone with information about either incident to contact their appeal line on 0300 123 8018. Officer Froude added: "It's a very upsetting and suspicious incident. We'd like to ask any members of the public who may have information to contact us." The charity also encourages pet owners struggling to cope with their animals to seek help.
