Bully-type dog found dead in Peaky Blinders shorts

The puppy was found wrapped in Peaky Blinders boxer shorts inside a chisel set's cardboard box bearing stickers with the message 'RIP BELLE'

A malnourished puppy described by the RSPCA as a bully-type female has been found dead wrapped in a pair of Peaky Blinders boxer shorts, prompting the charity to appeal for information.

The dog, estimated to be between 10 and 12 weeks old, was discovered inside a chisel set's cardboard box by a member of the public near a pool in Lichfield, Staffordshire, on Sunday.

According to RSPCA animal rescue officer Graeme Brookes, the box had "multiple stickers on it saying 'RIP BELLE'". The cause of death was unclear, he said.

He added the puppy - black with a white chin - had no apparent injuries, with a vet believing her to have only been dead for 24 to 36 hours.

As the "very malnourished" puppy was not microchipped, the RSPCA is trying to piece together what happened prior to the afternoon find at the St Chads end of Stowe Pool.

Mr Brookes said: "She was found in a yellow cardboard box... She was also wrapped in a black pair of Peaky Blinders boxer shorts.

“We don’t know what the cause of death was or what has happened, so we are appealing for anyone with any first-hand information to give us a call."

The RSPCA Inspectorate Appeal line can be reached on 0300 123 8018.