Dog's body found '˜dumped' in woodland

A member of the public discovered the animal, a male bull-type breed, on a public footpath near Bell Lane Park in Lewes on Wednesday (November 21).

The dog was wearing a harness and lead and it was thought to have been dead for a number of days, but recently left there.

A witness said the dog’s face was bloodied and its body was starting to decompose.

The RSPCA is aware of the incident and a spokesperson said it is appealing for people to come forward with further information.

They said: “This sounds like an extremely distressing incident and we would urge anyone with information about this dog or who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999.”

A spokesperson for Lewes District Council added: “Following contact from Sussex Police, our Neighbour First team took immediate action. We took the dog to a local vet who is referring the matter to the RSPCA.”

But Sussex Police said it was not aware of the incident.

A forensic post-mortem to find the exact cause of the dog’s death is being arranged, funded by concerned members of the public and a local registered dog charity.

If you have any information contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999