RSPCA probe launched after labrador found dead in shallow grave in Derby

Warning: some readers may find details in this story distressing

An animal welfare charity is appealing for information after the body of a dog was found in a shallow grave in Derby.

The black labrador, thought to be around one year old, was wrapped in a pink blanket and buried just off the footpath in West End Park on Mackworth Road.

The RSPCA was informed following the discovery on 10 February and the charity is now appealing for information.

The dog, which didn't have a microchip, had an injured back leg.

Animal Rescue Officer Sophie Taylor, who is investigating the case, said: "We are appealing for anyone with information about this poor dog to get in touch with us.

"The body of the black labrador was found just off a footpath in a popular park.

"The dog’s body was wrapped in a pink blanket and buried in a shallow grave. All we know at this stage is that she had injuries to her rear legs with the bone visible through her fur.

"We don’t know the cause of death or how they came to be buried in the park so we ask anyone who may have seen something in the area, or anyone who knows about a black labrador in the vicinity to please get in touch with us on our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018."

Derbyshire Police confirmed that officers from the force attended West End Park at around 8.15am on 10 February.

They found the dog had died at the scene and took the remains of the animal to a local vet.

"We contacted colleagues at the RSPCA to notify them of the incident", a spokesperson said.

"The RSPCA is now leading the investigation into the incident", they added,

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