Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Olivia Williams

Dog locked in suitcase and thrown in the Mersey

The body of a dog padlocked inside a suitcase was discovered after it had been dumped into the River Mersey.

Animal rescue charity, the RSPCA, has now launched an investigation after the body of a young male dog was found inside a pink suitcase by a dog walker on Tuesday.

The suitcase - which was padlocked - was spotted by a dog walker at the side of the River Mersey near the Speke and Garston coastal reserve earlier this week.

READ MORE: Much loved mum dies suddenly day before her birthday

On closer inspection, the walker could see the suitcase had ripped and inside the body of the dog was visible so she reported the matter to the RSPCA.

Animal rescuer, Inspector Anthony Joynes said the pet - which was not microchipped - had blood loss from his nose and mouth and is keen to trace the owner of the pet.

He added that he is treating the incident as "suspicious" due to the blood loss which he claims suggests "blunt force trauma incident to the head."

The suitcase which was dumped in the River Mersey with the body of a dog inside (RSPCA)

Inspector Joynes said: "I am treating this as suspicious as the dog had blood loss from his nose and mouth suggesting a blunt force trauma incident to the head could have caused the death of the dog.

“The fact the body was put in a suitcase which was padlocked and thrown into the river is also suspicious.

“Sometimes these injuries can be from road traffic accidents but x-rays have found no broken bones which would be expected - and the way the body was disposed of is clearly unusual.

"I am now keen to trace the owners of this dog and am appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.

"I think the body had been in the river only for a short period looking at the fact there was little decomposition.”

He added that the suitcase in which the dog was found was also a distinctive pink colour with the name ‘Chantell' written in black marker on the side so is hoping this may help to identify the owner of the pet.

Anyone with information should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0800 123 8018.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.