Anger as dead two-year-old German Shepherd found dumped in bag near river tunnel in Bolton
The RSPCA is appealing for information after the disturbing discovery of a dead dog found dumped in a remote location near Barrow Bridge Road in Bolton.
(Warning contains distressing images)
The young German Shepherd, later identified via microchip as “Alpha”, was found by a member of the public earlier on Sunday, July 13, in a shallow dip near a river tunnel, with a bin bag pulled over his body and rocks placed on top to weigh him down.
The dog was discovered close to a path used by walkers, near a pipe and tunnel, and was moved to the Destitute Animal Shelter in Bolton after being reported to the local dog warden. The dog’s body was later moved to the animal welfare charity’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.
Although the body was covered in blood, a veterinary assessment found no visible external injuries or fractures.
The cause of death remains unclear.
RSPCA Inspector Deborah Beats said: “This was a very distressing scene. The circumstances in which Alpha was found suggest someone went to deliberate lengths to conceal his body.
“To leave any animal like this is deeply concerning. We want to understand what happened and whether this dog suffered before his death.”
The German Shepherd was around two-years-old. A microchip was linked to a previous owner, who claims to have rehomed the dog earlier this year.
Enquiries are ongoing to trace this person, who is believed to have connections to Bradford in West Yorkshire.
The RSPCA is appealing to the public for information, especially from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity near Barrow Bridge Road or who has CCTV or ring doorbell footage from nearby homes, farms or cottages.
Deborah added: “This is a quiet spot, but not far from a main road. It’s possible someone local saw or heard something unusual in the early hours of Sunday 13 June.
“We’re urging anyone with relevant information to contact the RSPCA Inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 quoting incident number 01574838.”
For more information about how to report an incident of animal cruelty, visit the RSPCA website.