A HORRIFIED treasure hunter hauled a dog drowned with bricks tied around its neck out of a river.
The man was magnet fishing in Spalding, Lincolnshire, when he pulled out the body of what is believed to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier – with its collar still attached.
Graphic pictures show the badly decomposed remains of the dog with a plastic bag thought to have contained the bricks.
The image has prompted widespread outrage with several viewers saying they would take brutal revenge on the culprit. But a few others have complained the picture is too distressing to be shown.
The man who found the dog, who had not been identified, said he had reported it to police.
The picture was uploaded to the local community group Spaldinium on Sunday afternoon.
It was posted on behalf of them with the caption: “Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone had lost a little staffy type dog with a red collar?
“As sadly while magnet fishing today I’ve pulled one out of the river which had a bag tied round its neck full of bricks and had obviously been drowned.
“I placed him on the bank and informed the police who have informed the council to collect the poor little sod. There are some nasty f******s round here, he will be scanned to see if he is tagged.”
Colin Peter Mcmahon responded: “Just give me 5 minutes in a locked room with whoever did this, just 5 minutes please please please.”
Lisa Heeley wrote: “Bs need the beating of their lives then bricks tied to them & then thrown in the river.”
Andy Slater commented: “I’d love to do that to the person that did this.”
Linda Beith said: “Evil personified. Find the culprit and do the same to them. Appalling.”
Vicki McCracken responded: “Absolutely heartbreaking, the suffering this poor little thing had to endure! Probably alive when he was weighted down. I hate these people.”
Julia Higgins wrote: “I am so sad and angry someone would do this!”
Steven Hunter said: “That’s f****** awful. What goes through people’s brains is beyond me – some seriously sick people out there.”
Teresa Walton was among those to criticise the page for uploading the picture, writing: “Omg why the hell is this f picture on here?”
Cassie Middleton responded: “To the people that are complaining of the picture, yes It’s not nice but if someone can recognise the dog then the police may be able to get the people that did this. It’s not all about you and how you feel all the time.”
Andrew Petrie wrote: “I have to admit I hate this picture and it’s very upsetting. But I agree that it should be shown and needs to be shown.
“People need to be aware of what is happening to these poor innocent animals.”
The discovery was made during a magnet fishing exercise in the River Welland.
Magnet fishing involves using a powerful magnet attached to a rope which is then used to find metal objects.
A spokeswoman for the RSPCA confirmed they had launched an inquiry and appealed for help.
“We are aware of this upsetting incident and are investigating,” she said. “Anyone with any information can call us on 0300 1234 999.”
A police spokesman said today: “We are left wondering who would do such a cruel thing. There are plenty of charities and organisations that would have looked after and re-homed the dog.
“If anyone has any information as to who owned this dog or who has done such a despicable cruel act, please contact us or the RSPCA.”
