Dog found dead after it was drowned in river

The remains of a dog have been found after it was tied to a rope attached to a weight before being drowned in a river, said the RSPCA.

Buddy, a black and brown Jagdterrier, was found dead in the River Avon in the Weston area of Bath in Somerset on 7 March.

The animal welfare charity said it was contacted after a member of the public found Buddy dead in the river with a rope around his neck that had been tied to a weight.

"Buddy was intentionally killed in a heartless and gruesome way," said Dan Hatfield, RSPCA Inspector.

"We're keen to find out who was responsible and bring them to justice," he added.

"Since his body was discovered, we've been investigating what happened and are now asking the public for their help to find out exactly who did this to him," said Mr Hatfield.

"Buddy was known to many people in Bath who will recognise him and may be able to help us trace his final movements."

The RSPCA understood the dog had been dead for around 24-48 hours before he was found, and would like to speak to anyone who saw him in the days leading up to his death.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the RSPCA, quoting incident number 01464178.

The charity said information could be shared anonymously.

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