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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Benjamin Roberts-Haslam

Investigation launched after dog found beaten and set on fire

An investigation has been launched after a dog was found beaten and burnt.

The RSPCA has confirmed it has launched an investigation after a dog was found badly beaten and burnt. The ECHO previously reported on the discovery by Gray Taylor at Bidston Hill in Wirral, but now the animal welfare charity is urgently appealing for information linked to the incident.

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, and, with the help of information from her microchip, was found to be aged eight years old.

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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, thought to be in an attempt to remove her microchip.

Marks in the area suggest she may have dragged herself, or been pulled, for several metres afterwards. The vet was also unable to tell whether or not she was dead before being injured and set on fire.

An x-ray showing the injuries the dog sustained before being set on fire at Bidston Hill (RSPCA)

RSPCA inspector Leanne Cooper, who is investigating the incident, said: "This is a shocking and senseless act of cruelty. The images of this poor dog are very difficult and distressing to look at.

"Someone out there knows what happened to her and we would urge anyone with first-hand information to contact us as a matter of urgency. She was microchipped, and I am following lines of enquiry in relation to that, but we’d appeal to people who have additional information that could help this investigation to contact us straight away."

The RSPCA thanked Pawprints Wildlife Rescue and Tam O'Shanter Urban Farm for their help and assistance with the investigation, as well as the member of the public who found the dog and raised the alarm. Anyone with information about the incident should contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018.

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