Dead puppies and burnt dog found near canal

All three animals were found close to the canal in Wolverhampton

The body of a dog has been set on fire in Wolverhampton, just a day after two dead puppies were found in the city.

Both incidents are being investigated by the RSPCA, which said the puppies appeared to have been just days old and were wet, as though they had been in the canal.

The burnt dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier, was found tied up in an underpass close to the same canal.

A charity spokesperson said there was nothing to suggest the two incidents were linked.

The RSPCA said the puppies were found close to Central Drive, in Bilston, on 12 May and their bodies were partially decomposed.

RSPCA inspector Vicki Taylor, who has looked into both incidents, said: “We don’t know if the puppies were drowned and we are keen to speak to anyone who knows what happened as it seems suspicious."

The charity said it appeared the Staffordshire bull terrier, which was found beneath the A463, was dead when it was set on fire.

Ms Taylor said: "We don’t understand why someone set fire to the dog and we are eager to find out why the dog was there in the first place."