United Kingdom: Dog was tortured and beaten to death, then his body dumped. Police need your help to find who did this!

UNITED KINGDOM -- An investigation is underway after the body of a dog beaten to death was discovered at a top tourist attraction.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after the dumped terrier-type dog was found at the Falkirk Wheel.

The grim discovery was made by British Waterway staff in a canal Monday.

The animal welfare charity said the dog suffered a fractured skull, broken ribs and bruising in the “horrifically cruel” attack.

Inspector Leanne McPake said: “This dog had a severely fractured skull, multiple broken ribs and was badly bruised. A post-mortem concluded the dog died as a result of head trauma.

“Prior to this, he had his ribs broken with such force there was blood in his lung cavity.”

“We believe the dog’s injuries were inflicted with an instrument such as a hammer or a forceful kick. We know the dog was alive for several minutes after being struck, meaning his suffering was prolonged.

“His dead body was then callously dumped in the water.

“CCTV in the area is currently being reviewed. In the meantime we would appeal to anyone who knows of someone who owned a dog matching the description or has any other information to contact us.

“The dog was a small un-neutered black and white male terrier type. He was wearing a very thin leather collar and it is thought he was a young adult. We believe this barbaric attack happened within the last seven to ten days.

“We are very keen to find whoever is responsible for carrying out this horrifically cruel and brutal attack on a defenceless dog.”

Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

(Evening Telegraph UK - March 6, 2015)