THE RSPCA is appealing for information after a dog was tied to a rope attached to a weight before being drowned in the River Avon in Bath.

The animal welfare charity was contacted after a member of the public made the distressing discovery in the Weston area of the city on March 7.

Buddy, a black and brown Jagdterrier, was found dead in the River Avon with a rope around his neck that had been tied to a weight.

RSPCA Inspector Dan Hatfield, who recovered his body from the river, said: “Buddy was intentionally killed in a heartless and gruesome way, and we’re keen to find out who was responsible and bring them to justice.

The RSPCA is asking the public for their help after a dog was tied to a rope attached to a weight before being drowned in the River Avon in Bath.
The RSPCA is asking the public for their help after a dog was tied to a rope attached to a weight before being drowned in the River Avon in Bath. (RSPCA )

“Since his body was discovered, we’ve been investigating what happened and are now asking the public for their help to find out exactly who did this to him. Buddy was known to many people in Bath who will recognise him and may be able to help us trace his final movements.

“We understand he’d been dead for around 24-48 hours before he was found so we’re hoping to speak to anyone who saw him in the final days of his life before his body was sadly found in the river. Did you see Buddy anytime from Saturday, March 1? Where was he and who was with him?

“If anyone has any information, please call our appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01464178. Information can be shared anonymously and your details will not be passed on to the person you have reported.”

The RSPCA Animal Futures podcast takes a deep dive into some of the big questions about the future of animal welfare. Listen to host, TV presenter and RSPCA ambassador Kate Quilton from Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped, explore what the future might hold for animals by clicking here.