AN ANIMAL lover is offering a reward for information after a Labrador was found drowned in a lake with a four-kilogram dumbbell attached to its neck.

The black bitch, thought to be aged about four, was thrown into a boating lake behind a quarry at Sturry, near Canterbury. RSPCA inspectors are appealing for information.

A woman, who does not wish to be identified, is offering £100 reward for information that leads to the conviction of those responsible. “It was absolutely horrendous, she must have suffered terribly,” she said.

Anyone with information is asked to telephone the RSPCA on 08705 555999.

RSPCA Insp Charlotte Eyden said: “It is horrific that someone could drown a dog. It would have taken her a while to die and she would have been terrified.”

Insp Eyden insists that the dog suffered needlessly because the RSPCA is on hand to help out when people cannot look after their animals.

Under the Protection of Animals Act 1911, the perpetrator can spend up to six months in prison or be fined £5,000.

The dog was dumped in the lake over the weekend of February 25 and 26.