The body of a four-year-old dog who had just had puppies was found dumped behind garages.

The female Cane Corso was discovered inside a sports bag and wrapped in a bin liner in Kale Road, Erith by a Dartford council employee.

WARNING: Graphic image below

The black large mastiff dog with a white patch on her chest had cropped ears, an illegal procedure in England and Wales, and appears to have recently had puppies. She also wasn’t microchipped.

The grim discovery was made last Wednesday.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Brian Milligan, who is now investigating, said: “This was a grim and terribly upsetting discovery by the local council who found this poor dog stuffed inside a sports bag. It is believed she had been dead for around 24 hours prior to being found.

“Her ears have been cropped and it appears like she had recently given birth to puppies so we’re also concerned about her puppies and their whereabouts.

“Her body doesn’t have any signs of injuries and the cause of death is currently unknown. We are therefore keen to find out what happened to her and to know if anyone saw anything in the area on Wednesday.”

Ear cropping is illegal in England and Wales, under Section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. However, the practice is still legal in other parts of the world, such as the USA and some European countries, and there’s a fear that more and more dogs are being sent abroad for cropping, or being purchased and imported from overseas.

Cane Corso is an Italian breed of mastiff usually kept as a guard dog or companion dog.

The RSPCA is appealing for anyone with information which could help their investigations to please get in touch on the inspectorate appeal line, in strictest confidence, on 0300 123 8018.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals visit the charity's website or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.