An investigation has been launched after three dead badger cubs were found skinned and dumped near a badger den at Reddish Vale Country Park.
The grim discovery was made by a local wildlife group on March 25.
A week later, two more cubs were found skinned in the same spot.
The decomposing body of a dog was also found near the badger sett on Wednesday (April 6).
It had been stuffed into a holdall bag.
The RSPCA has now launched an investigation into the suspicious incidents and is asking for anyone with any information to get in touch.
Inspector Jessica Araujo said: “There's no evidence to suggest the cubs were dug up by humans as the sett does not appear to have been disturbed.
“But it is strange that three cubs have been found in this way just a few days apart around the same sett.
“I am not sure whether someone has found the cubs dead and skinned them - but it seems very strange.
"I am just hoping they were dead before their skin was removed.
"They cut them to the bottom of their body and left the skin on.
“Then yesterday a member of the public came across a holdall nearby and a badly decomposing body of a dog was found.
"We didn't know how the dog died but all these incidents seem very suspicious.”
Anyone who can help the investigation should contact the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018.
