A puppy with a severe head injury was found dead dumped in a bin bag beside a road.

The grim discovery was made by a member of the public in Meresborough Road, Rainham.

Warning: Images may be upsetting and distressing

RSPCA officers are now carrying out an investigation into the death of the 10-month-old Shetland sheepdog – also known as a Sheltie.

The young male dog was found tied up inside a white plastic bin bag on Friday. He was examined by a vet who then contacted the RSPCA.

Inspector Kirsten Ormerod said: "It must have been really shocking and upsetting for the member of public who found him like that.

“The dog has signs of a significant head trauma and the right side of his head was covered in blood.”

It is not yet clear how the dog came by his fatal injuries and Inspector Ormerod said she hoped anyone with information could come forward.

The long-haired pup was wearing a black fabric collar but had no ID tag attached to it.

He was microchipped showing his date of birth as June 20, 2020 but the chip was not registered and no further details have been traceable.

Inspector Ormerod added: "The dog also has a passport number registered on his microchip showing he was imported into the UK from Belgium in November 2020.

“I’m very concerned about what happened to this poor pup and how he died. I’d like to hear from anyone with any information that may assist my investigation."

Anyone with information is urged to call the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave Inspector Ormerod a message.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

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