Dead dog found padlocked in suitcase and dumped in Liverpool river prompting search for owner

The body of a dog was discovered inside a locked suitcase after it had been dumped in the River Mersey in Liverpool.
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A dog walker spotted the padlocked pink suitcase at the side of the River Mersey near the Speake and Garston coastal reserve on Tuesday (January 11).

The RSPCA said the dog - a young male - had blood loss from his nose and mouth, which may have been caused by blunt force trauma.

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It was believed the body had not been there long before it was discovered as there was "little decomposition".

The body of a dog was discovered inside a locked suitcase near the River Mersey in Liverpool (Credit: RSPCA)The body of a dog was discovered inside a locked suitcase near the River Mersey in Liverpool (Credit: RSPCA)
The body of a dog was discovered inside a locked suitcase near the River Mersey in Liverpool (Credit: RSPCA)

A search was launched for the dog's owner as they weren't microchipped, however, the name Chantell was written on the side of the suitcase.

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RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes said: "I am treating this as suspicious as the dog had blood loss from his nose and mouth suggesting a blunt force trauma incident to the head.

"The fact the body was put in a suitcase which was padlocked and thrown into the river is also suspicious.

The name Chantell was written on the side of the suitcase (Credit: RSPCA)The name Chantell was written on the side of the suitcase (Credit: RSPCA)
The name Chantell was written on the side of the suitcase (Credit: RSPCA)
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"Sometimes these injuries can be from road traffic accidents but x-rays have found no broken bones which would be expected - and the way the body was disposed of is clearly unusual."

Anyone with information should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0800 123 8018.

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