The body of the young female dog, believed to be between six months and one year old, was discovered by a dog walker yesterday (25 June) at 9.20am washed up on the beach at East Cliff Chine in Ramsgate.
The dog’s muzzle and legs were bound with strips of some kind of material, which meant she had been tied up into a small ball. She also had an incision or stab wound on top of her head where her fur had also been shaved.
The dog warden was alerted and the dog’s body was taken to Thanet Vets in Margate before the RSPCA were contacted.
Chief Inspector Steve Dockery is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the dog’s death and disposal.
He said: “This must have been an incredibly distressing discovery for the member of the public who found this poor dog. I’ve been an inspector for many years but this really is shocking. We believe the injured dog had been tied up and dumped in the sea.
“The vets also believe that the dog was in season before she died and that due to bruising and swelling on her muzzle as well as blood in her mouth, it would appear as though she was alive before she was bound.
“A black Nike holdall was found with her and contained the same material she was tied up with. Although she wasn’t inside it, it appears like whoever did this had tried and failed to place her in the bag as the bag was also full of seaweed and sand.
“The poor dog was also very underweight and has no microchip.
“We are now appealing for anyone who may have any information which could help our investigation, to contact the inspectorate appeal line in strictest confidence on 0300 123 8018.”
