WARNING - GRAPHIC IMAGES - Investigation after dog set on fire in Darlington.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after the body of a dog believed to have been set on fire was found in a field in Darlington.

The heartbreaking discovery was made by a dog walker on a popular walking route near the River Skerne, between Darlington Rugby Club and Lakeside.

The dog is a small, young female black and tan rough-haired terrier and is thought to have been put in a bag and then set alight. It is unknown if the dog was dead or alive when set on fire. There are no previous injuries or fractures.

WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW

RSPCA inspector Krissy Raine, who is investigating, said: “This is a really heartbreaking and sad incident and we are keen to find out who did this.

“This dog wasn’t an old dog - by all accounts she appears to have been quite young. Sadly she had no microchip or collar so we’re unable to trace the owner without the public’s help. We hope someone is aware of a similar-looking dog who has gone missing recently, and may have important information for us. We believe she was wearing a black and white jumper or dog coat when she was set on fire.”

The dog was found on Tuesday (21 November), however the dog-walker who reported this to the RSPCA believes the dog had been there six days previously as they had seen the bag on a walk last week but hadn’t realised what it was.

Anyone who has information is urged to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 01187471.

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