An investigation has been launched after youngsters found a dog that had been tragically stabbed to death in a park bin.
The horrific discovery was made in Cheetham Park in Cheetham Hill on Sunday (December 5).
A black, female Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog - who may have had puppies - was found wrapped in bloodied towels, the RPSCA said.
The dog had then been placed in a big bag and dumped in the bin.
An investigation has now been launched after a number of wounds on the side of her body suggested the dog - which was not microchipped - had been stabbed multiple times.
Inspector Deb Beats took her to the RSPCA's Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where a veterinary examination took place.
The examination showed the dog, which was aged around one to two, had a number of knife wounds to the right hand side of her body and some on her back.
The cause of death cannot be established at this stage, though experts believe she may have bled to death.
It is also believed the dog may have had puppies due to her enlarged teats.
Debs said: "It appears the poor dog has been stabbed multiple times and - due to the blood loss on the towels she was wrapped in - it is strongly suspected she bled to death.
"The injuries were all down one side so it would also appear the dog did not fight off the attack.
"I am keen to find the person responsible and would like to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the weekend when the poor dog was found.
"She is mainly black in colour but has distinctive white marks on her chest and all her toes which I hope will help identify who she belonged to prior to this horrific attack.
"She was also wearing a rope collar and lead and it appears she may have had puppies due to her enlarged teats.
"I am hoping someone will be able to piece this information together to help identify the dog and hopefully find the person responsible for this horrific crime."
Anyone with information should report the matter to the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
Inspector Beats added: "This is just one of the thousands of calls we expect to receive this festive season.
"The RSPCA received 51,000 calls last December, that’s one call every minute. As we were in lockdown last year, we expect these figures to rise this Christmas.
"We’re asking people to Join the Rescue this Christmas to help bring animals to safety this festive season."
