THESE are the harrowing pictures the RSPCA wants Swindon Advertiser readers to see of a puppy found dead in Liden Lagoon last month.

The RSPCA is trying to track down the person responsible for the death of the animal, found with a plastic bag wrapped around its head.

An angler made the gruesome discovery of the four-month-old Staffordshire bull terrier puppy at about 10am on Sunday, April 11 – not April 25 as stated in yesterday’s paper.

RSPCA staff said they did not know how long the body had been in the water but the level of decomposition suggested it was less than a week.

A post-mortem examination revealed that the dog had a fractured leg and jaw, which are thought to have happened before he was thrown in the water.

The brindle-coloured dog was about four months old and was wearing a black plastic flea colour but had no microchip or other form of identification.

RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson, who is investigating, said: “At best we could be talking about a scenario where this animal was killed in an accident or died of natural causes and then its body was dumped in this inappropriate way.

“However, it is possible that some heartless person brutalised and then killed this dog causing its jaw and leg to break and then they finished him off by putting a carrier bag over the creature’s head and then dumping him in the water.

“Whatever the circumstances, it is vital that we know what happened to this poor creature and I would urge anyone that recognises it or has any relevant information to contact the RSPCA.”

Anyone with information is urged to call the RSPCA cruelty and information line on 0300 1234 999 where they can leave a message for Ins Albinson.

Calls are treated in confidence.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal can face up to six months in prison and/or a £20,000 fine.