The RSPCA is appealing for information after the body of a dog was found hanging from a tree on the banks of the River Thames.
The gruesome discovery was made on Tuesday morning when a member of the public spotted the “severely decomposed” remains beneath a pathway near St George Wharf Pier in Vauxhall.
Animal rescue officer Julia Pernas was called to the scene and requested assistance from the London Fire Brigade to retrieve the body, as its location was difficult to access.
Following an initial assessment, the white and tan-coloured dog, which was not microchipped, was taken to RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre.
Now, the animal rescue charity is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Given the “cruel manner” in which the dog was disposed of, Ms Pernas believes someone may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area.
She said: “This poor dog’s body was hanging by a tree branch close to the pier near to the Riverside pub at this Thames-side location.
“This is a busy area and there may be someone who has seen someone acting suspiciously before this dog was disposed of in such a cruel manner.
“We were grateful for the help of the London Fire Brigade for retrieving the body of the dog. Working together is so important for animal welfare.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01481892.
