Dogs 'killed and dumped in bags'

The bodies of four dogs have been found tied up in bags near Ashford in Kent - it is thought one of them may have died while struggling to escape.

The RSPCA said a Forestry Commission ranger made the discovery while clearing rubbish on land at Ham Street.

RSPCA inspector Cathy Youngman found that one body had a split skull and one had its legs tied together.

She said scratch marks were inside one bag as if the dog had still been alive when dumped and fighting to get out.

"It is outrageous that these dogs could have been killed and dumped here or even left here while still alive to die slowly and in agony," she said.

"They seem to be terrier-type dogs and may have been here for several months."

Appealing for information, she added: "We would like to hear from anyone with any information about this - no matter how small.

"Whoever killed these poor dogs should be brought to justice."