RSPCA Appeal After Dead Emaciated Spaniel Found

The RSPCA is appealing for information after the body of an emaciated springer spaniel was found by the side of a road in Sittingbourne.

The dead dog was discovered wrapped in a blue horse rug inside a blue and grey plastic kennel on School Lane in Iwade on Friday 27th December.

The male tan and white spaniel was found by a passing dog walker tucked behind a pipe by the side of the road. It is not known how long the body had been there, but it is thought he had probably died within the last week. It is thought he was a young adult - five years old or younger.

The incident follows a similar report about a dead border collie found dumped in bushes in the area a couple of months before, again in a very emaciated state.

RSPCA Animal Welfare Officer, Kelly Thatcher, told SFM News: "It wasn't much of a Happy Christmas for this poor dog - who had clearly suffered leading up to his death. I was shocked at how thin he was - completely skin and bones. At first I had hoped he had died a natural death and then been dumped, but seeing how thin he was, and young, I doubt it. It was also such a callous way to dump the poor dog. Over the fence and lying among all manner of rubbish. We urge anyone with any information about this incident to let us know on 0300 123 8018."