A dog had been "humanely put to sleep" before it was set on fire and found with two broken legs.
The RSPCA announced last week it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a dog which was found at Bidston Hill in Wirral with horrific injuries, having been set on fire.
The dog is thought to be a crossbreed/bull-type and was found at around 12.30pm on Sunday, March 12. The female dog was found badly burnt, with just fur remaining on her ears.
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Information from her microchip helped to determine that she was eight years old when she died. Her intestines and ribs had been exposed and both legs had been "cleanly broken", according to a vet who carried out an examination on the animal.
There were also deep blows visible on her body and flesh had also been cut away from the back of her neck. The RSPCA has now ruled out any foul play with regard to the dog's death and told the ECHO "no offence has been committed", although the charity said it still isn't clear how the dog came to be set on fire.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: "The RSPCA has been investigating a very distressing incident involving a female dog who was found burnt at Bidston Hill in Merseyside.
"Following extensive enquiries, the charity has been able to establish conclusively that the dog had been taken to a vet by her owner and had been humanely put to sleep - prior to being found - because of ill health. She was subsequently buried in the woods but then likely to have been dug up and moved by other animals.
"The RSPCA would like to thank the local community for their understandable concerns about this upsetting incident. We’d like to reassure people that her owner cooperated fully with us and deliberate cruelty has been ruled out. Our thanks also go to Pawprints and Merseyside Police for their assistance.
"Our officers will always investigate cases of suspected animal cruelty and the public continue to be our eyes and ears. Anyone who has concerns about an animal should ring our cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.
"We advise people to contact their local authority or local veterinary practice for advice on how to dispose of the body when a pet sadly dies. If you wish to bury your pet in your garden, you should contact your local council’s environmental health department who can give you guidance.
"Alternatively, some local cemeteries have sections for the burial of pets. A vet will be able to give information about this or make arrangements for the pet to be cremated, if this is what you want. There is also advice and support about pet bereavement on our website."
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