RSPCA appeals for information after dead bulldog discovered in the River Dee

The RSPCA is appealing for information after the body of a female bulldog was discovered in the River Dee in Cheshire.

On Sunday (7 February) the RSPCA was contacted by a volunteer for Chip Angels, a group who volunteer to scan lost or injured pets for microchips to help reunite them with their owners. The volunteer, Wayne Huxley, had been tagged in a Facebook group called ‘Dog Walkers of Chester’ by a member of the public explaining they had spotted a dead dog in the River Dee, so he attended and managed to remove the dog.

The dog was found loose in the water, with no blanket or bag wrapped around her body, at around 11am near Saltney Ferry, Cheshire, along a popular river walking route near the Airbus factory and very close to the border between England and Wales.

The bulldog had cuts on her tongue and a wound at the end of her tail. When examined by a vet, it was also evident that she had very recently given birth to puppies.

RSPCA Inspector Caren Goodman-James, who is now investigating, said: “This poor dog was found dumped in the river with no collar or microchip. At this stage, we don’t know what has happened to her or if she was alive or dead before ending up in the river. The dog is a female bulldog type, creamy brown in colour with overgrown claws and she was also underweight.   

“She clearly hadn’t been there for very long due to the condition her body was in, so we’re keen to hear from anyone who might have seen something.

“We’re investigating what happened to this dog, but also what has happened to her puppies. It appears that she had a litter quite recently so her puppies are likely to be very young and in need of a mother. Perhaps someone recognises this dog or has noticed a bulldog type dog is missing from their local area. If so, we would like to hear from you.

“I’m appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area, or could have any information at all about this dog or her puppies, to please get in touch with me on our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

“I’d also like to thank the members of the public involved in this and especially volunteer Wayne who removed the poor dog from the river and reported this to us.”

If anyone has any information about this please contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018, or contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting the incident number 912682. 

Throughout the winter months, the RSPCA expects to rescue thousands of animals from neglect, cruelty and suffering. Already this winter, we have received more than 82,000 calls but the calls to our rescue line are not stopping so neither will we. To help our rescue teams continue to reach the animals who desperately need us, visit www.rspca.org.uk/xmas and Join the Winter Rescue #JoinTheRescue