A probe has been launched after a cat was found dead after being packed into a rucksack and thrown into the Forth and Clyde Canal in Falkirk.
The grim discovery was made by a member of the public at Lock 14, just off Westburn Avenue, in Camelon on Tuesday afternoon.
The Scottish SPCA now is appealing for information and wants anyone who might have witnessed anything suspicious to contact them urgently.
Scottish SPCA inspector Andrew Gray said: "The cat is unfortunately not microchipped but was wearing a blue collar when found. Sadly the collar did not have any owner details on it.
"The cat is black and white and appeared to be in good body condition before passing away with no visible wounds or disease so has clearly been someone’s pet until recently.
"We believe the cat had most likely already passed away when the animal was placed in the bag.
"We’re keen to find out how the cat came to be in this location and the circumstances leading up to the death of the animal.
"While we appreciate the death of a pet can be a frightening and upsetting time, this isn’t the correct procedure to follow when dealing with the body of an animal.
"If anyone has any information on this incident they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999."
