Death of dog found in lake 'suspicious'

A member of the public found the dog, the RSPCA said

The death of a young dog found in a lake was "suspicious", the RSPCA said.

Marley, a black and white Staffordshire bull terrier-type, was found in black bin bags at Wick Country Park in Wickford, Essex, on 27 August.

An investigation was launched by the animal welfare charity, which has urged anyone with more information to come forward.

RSPCA inspector Emma Baker, said: “The circumstances surrounding the discovery of this dog’s body is suspicious. Initial inquiries have been made and we’ve been told the dog had been given up by the person who was registered as the owner on the microchip."

She added: “They body was decomposed so it is not possible at this stage to establish an exact cause of death."