A tiny dog was found dead and wrapped in a red coat before being left at a town car park.
The animal - believed to be a female Yorkshire terrier or similar breed - was zipped up inside the jacket and dumped on a grass verge in Middlesborough.
The pup was discovered by a passer-by near Amber Street car park, Teesside Live reports.
It appeared that someone had attempted to bury the dog, as an empty bag of soil was found next to her body.
RSPCA Inspector Ruth Thomas-Coxon attended the scene following the distressing find on Friday.
She said: "The dead body of the little dog - a Yorkshire terrier type - was found zipped up inside a red coat and left on a grass verge next to the car park.
"It looked like someone had made a poor attempt to bury the dog and there was an empty bag of soil next to her body.
"I’m very suspicious due to her condition and the way she’d been abandoned that something untoward had happened and I’m keen to establish exactly what her final hours were like."
The RSPCA has urged people to contact them on 0300 123 8018 if they recognise the dog, know where she came from or what happened to her.
Those who may have saw any suspicious activity in this area on Friday are also asked to get in touch.
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