Body of puppy who had burns in her mouth and around her head prompts RSPCA investigation

The RSPCA has launched an investigation after the body of a puppy which had burns in her mouth and around her head was discovered at the side of a road in Cheshire. *****WARNING - GRAPHIC IMAGES*****

The body of the pup, believed to be a labrador-type, was found by a man walking at the side of Paddock Lane, about 200 metres away from the Saracens Head pub in Altrincham.

He alerted the police who reported the matter to the RSPCA and animal rescuer, inspector Beth Fazackerley was sent to the scene.

She could see that the dead pup had burn marks around her head and neck and took her for examination by a vet at the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.

The vet found there was no obvious cause of death and was unable to ascertain the dog's age from her teeth as she had also been burned in the mouth. It is not known if the dog was burnt before or after death.

A microchip was found which was traced to Ireland but revealed nothing more than the dog was identified as ‘Pup 7’.

Beth is now keen to trace the person responsible for abandoning the dead dog and is concerned she may have come from an unscrupulous breeder.

She said: “I am hoping someone will know who this puppy belonged to and can provide me with that information.

“Someone may have been to view a litter of puppies and may have seen this dog.

“At this stage we are not sure how the poor puppy died or why the dog was burnt in this way and then dumped alongside a road. A black bin liner was found nearby and we are not sure if the body had been placed in this before she was dumped and then a member of the public maybe took the body out to see what was inside.”

The incident was reported to the RSPCA on Monday, January 25 but it is understood the body had been in the area since January 22.

Beth added: “I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen something suspicious in this area around the time the pup was dumped.

“I would urge anyone with information to call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.” 

This winter, the RSPCA expects to rescue thousands of animals from neglect, cruelty and suffering. Already this Christmas we received more than 44,000 calls to our cruelty line but the calls to our rescue line are not stopping so neither will we. To help our rescue teams continue to reach the animals who desperately need us this winter, visit this link

The RSPCA has seen a surge in interest for people adopting or buying puppies during lockdown but this increased demand may be inadvertently fuelling the puppy trade with unscrupulous and unlicensed breeders profiting from their illegal trade. The animal welfare charity would always advise people to Adopt don’t Shop.

For anyone wanting some tips about getting a dog should see our tips below::

• The RSPCA would encourage anyone thinking of getting a dog to adopt a rescue dog instead of buying a puppy. Our animal centres across the country have dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages and temperaments: www.rspca.org.uk/findapet. 

• Anyone thinking of buying a puppy should do lots of research before getting a dog to ensure they understand the responsibility involved in caring for that dog before getting one. 

• If you have identified a specific breed or type of dog then do lots of research on that dog and prospective breeders, speak to your vet and to other people for recommendations.

• Use The Puppy Contract to help you find a responsible breeder and to choose a happy, healthy puppy. 

• Visit the breeder and the puppies as much as possible, see the puppies in the place they were born and reared, and ask to meet the mum or - if possible - both parents. 

• Ask the breeder lots of questions and ask to see their licence, veterinary records and any relevant health checks. 

• Never pay cash and don't be pushed into handing over money quickly or meeting somewhere that isn't the location the puppy has been born and reared (eg a service station or a car park). 

• If you have concerns about the conditions the dogs are being kept in or the welfare of the dogs, walk away and report your concerns to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999, police on 101 and the local council.

Throughout the winter months, the RSPCA expects to rescue thousands of animals from neglect, cruelty and suffering. Already this winter, we have received more than 82,000 calls but the calls to our rescue line are not stopping so neither will we. To help our rescue teams continue to reach the animals who desperately need us, visit www.rspca.org.uk/xmas and Join the Winter Rescue #JoinTheRescue