Probe into 'shocking' dog deaths

The dogs laid undiscovered for several days, said the RSPCA

The RSPCA is investigating the suspicious deaths of two dogs found in a County Durham park.

The terrier-type animals, one of which was tied to a tree, had both suffered severe head injuries.

Post-mortem examinations are due to be carried out, but a charity spokeswoman said there was no indication that the dogs had been used for fighting.

Anyone with information about Sunday's discovery at Welfare Park in Wingate should contact the RSPCA.

The dogs were found by a member of the public and were so heavily covered in maggots that it was impossible to verify their sex.

'Unfortunate end'

RSPCA inspector Sue Craig said: "This is an appalling, shocking incident. Neither of the dogs were microchipped or wore collars, but they seemed in a good, healthy condition which suggests they may have once belonged to someone.

"Because two dogs were involved and found so close together, it seems unlikely this was an accident.

"It's difficult at this stage to say for certain how the injuries were inflicted, but both dogs had been hurt very badly.

"We are now trying to determine how these two dogs met such an unfortunate end.

"If anyone has any information about who may once have owned them, I urge them to contact the RSPCA immediately."