The RSPCA fear a dog may have been weighed down with bricks and drowned in a river in a 'horrific' act of cruelty.
The body of a terrier-cross was found at the side of a river, wrapped in blankets that had bricks inside.
The horrific discovery was made by a member of the public in woodland at the end of Culcth Lane, in Newton Heath on Monday.
She alerted the RSPCA, which is now investigating whether or not the dog has been deliberately killed.
Inspector Emma Dingley fears that because bricks were found inside the blanket, this might have been the case.
She said: “It seems whoever did this went to a lot of trouble to make sure the dog was weighed down with the bricks which looks suspicious.
“The dog was wrapped in a pink blanket which was tied with a dressing gown belt and another blue blanket was nearby.
“Looking at the decomposition it appears that it had been in the water for several days.
“It just seems that whoever did this went to a lot of trouble if the dog was already dead to dispose of the body.
“I am really concerned that someone could have purposely drowned the dog which, if this is the case, is a horrific act of cruelty and I cannot begin to think of the suffering the poor pet would have gone through.
Warning, graphic image below
“Therefore I am keen to trace whoever owned the dog, which was not microchipped, or anyone who saw anything suspicious in this area in a week or so leading up to the body being found.
“Also I believe someone may recognise the blankets used - one was blue and one was pink - or the dressing gown belt which was a deep pink colour which they may associate with the dog.”
Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
