Tip-off clues in dog deaths case

The dogs had lain undiscovered in the park for several days

Two anonymous callers may know who was responsible for the "shocking" deaths of a pair of stolen dogs, according to the RSPCA.

The bull terrier-type animals, one of which was tied to a tree, were found with severe head injuries at Welfare Park in Wingate, County Durham.

A charity spokeswoman said four names brought to their attention by calls to the cruelty hotline were encouraging.

But she urged the callers to get back in touch with more information.

The dogs were found by a member of the public on 2 September, but were so heavily covered in maggots that it was initially impossible to verify their sex.

We would appeal for those who called to get back in touch. We can absolutely guarantee your anonymity RSPCA inspector Sue Craig

Their heartbroken owners, who came forward after recognising photographs in the media, said the one-year-old brothers had gone missing from nearby Station Town a week earlier.

A subsequent public appeal resulted in two anonymous tip-offs, which the RSPCA are treating seriously.

Inspector Sue Craig said: "We believe the information passed on to be reliable. One caller gave us two names and another gave us four - two of which matched those given by the first caller.

"Somebody obviously knows what's gone on here, but we need more information in order to take it further.

"It's still an ongoing investigation and we will get to the bottom of it. However, we would appeal for those who called to get back in touch. We can absolutely guarantee your anonymity."

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

Anyone with information should call the cruelty hotline on 0300 1234 999.