Remains of dog found in suitcase in garden

A general view of Ashcroft Road, Gainsborough

A woman has been left "traumatised" after finding the remains of a dog in a suitcase.

Michelle Page, 41, who runs Page's Pet Rescue Rehoming Services, said the discovery was "the worst case" she had come across during 13 years of working with animals.

She was called to an empty property in Ashcroft Road, Gainsborough, on 8 September by concerned neighbours who reported a bad smell.

Lincolnshire Police has passed on details of the dog's microchip to the RSPCA, which said it was unable to discuss the case for "legal reasons".

The suitcase was found in the garden of the property and Ms Page described the remains as "badly decomposed".

"It's the worst case I've ever come across. It's been traumatic," she said. "I keep having flashbacks – I can't get the image of it out of my head."

Police were called and the body was taken to a specialist vet.

Investigation launched

Lincolnshire Police said officers were called to "reports of a suspicious suitcase having been found in the garden of an abandoned property" in Ashcroft Road at about 23:00 BST on 8 September.

A spokesperson for the force said: "A deceased dog was found within the suitcase. The details taken from the identity chip found on the dog have been passed to the RSPCA, who will now commence their investigation."

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said it was "unable to discuss complaints about specific people and what action may have been taken for legal reasons".

The organisation would "always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare".

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA or the police.

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