***WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISTRESSING IMAGES***
The body of a neglected and emaciated dog was discovered in a suitcase by a horrified walker in Bolton.
The bull mastiff/Staffordshire cross, named Rita, was found wrapped in a curtain and bedsheet in the zipped-up bag last Sunday afternoon (January 15). A man was out walking on Brownlow Way when he made the distressing discovery in a wooded area, the RSPCA said.
The suitcase had been placed behind a tree and hidden in brambles. Rita's body was in an 'appalling condition' and in a 'very bad state of neglect'.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Jess Pierce was called to the scene. She scanned the dog and found a microchip revealing her name and that she was six-years-old.
It revealed that she had been rehomed by her previous owner some years ago. The details of current owner were not up-to-date.
***WARNING - THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS DISTRESSING IMAGES***
Vets believe that Rita had been in the suitcase for three to four days, although they could not tell whether she was already dead when she was placed inside. The RPSCA is now appealing for anyone with information about what happened to the dog to come forward.
The charity also want to hear from people living in the Brownlow Way, Prince Street or Merehall Drive areas of Bolton who may have CCTV or ring doorbell footage.
Jess said: "I was shocked by Rita’s appalling condition and horrified that someone could have dumped her so callously in a suitcase and then attempted to conceal her body.
"Someone must know who owned Rita, or recognise the suitcase she was found in, and we’d urge local residents and anyone else who can help us, to contact our inspectorate appeal line, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018 so we can move this investigation forward."
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