Derby: Charity plea after puppy found dead in bin bag

The puppy was found dead by a member of the public

An animal charity has issued an appeal after a puppy was found dead in a bin bag near a rail line in Derby.

The Chihuahua-type dog was spotted at 12:45 GMT on Thursday by a member of the public, who believes the bag could have been thrown over railings near Balfour Road.

It is thought the male puppy may have tried to struggle free from the bag before he died, the RSPCA said.

The charity has appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

The young dog was found dead with his head protruding from the top of the bin liner on waste ground.

RSPCA inspector Pam Bird, who is investigating, said: "At some point this poor puppy has managed to force his way out of the bag either because he was still alive or the bag may have been torn by the many rats that are in this area.

"I would like to appeal to anyone who knows someone whose dog has had puppies lately or may have any information about how the dog came to be found in this area."