The RSPCA has launched an investigation after the body of a dog was found dumped on a country lane on the England-Wales border. The remains of a black lurcher, aged around three, were discovered by a dog walker on Moor Lane, Kinnerton, near Chester, on Wednesday morning.
Microchip traces ownership
The dog was still wearing a black collar, although the remains were badly decomposed, the charity said. Thanks to a microchip, RSPCA officers traced the first owners, who said they had rehomed the dog. The trail stopped after the second owners said they had also given the dog away.
Appeal for information
Bethany Newis, RSPCA's animal rescue officer, described the discovery as 'upsetting' and said there are concerns about how the dog's body ended up on the road. She said: 'The dog was microchipped and traced to an owner in North Wales but they said they re-homed the dog as a pup. We traced the next owner, also living in North Wales, who said they had rehomed the dog because it did not get on with another pet in the home.'
'We are now trying to trace the person who took on the dog after this. The lurcher would have been three in October and the fact that his body appears to have been dumped does raise suspicions, but sadly the body was too decomposed to establish an exact cause of death.'
The dog's black collar featured metal bone-shaped studs, a blank nametag and bits of blue rope. Newis added: 'This blue rope could have been used as a lead or as a tether and I am hoping the distinctive nature of the collar on this black lurcher may help jog people's memories as to who may have recently owned him.'
'The area is a popular dog walking spot so we are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious who can help with our enquiries.'
