Investigation underway after five-dog grave discovered by member of the public

An investigation has been launched after the remains of five dogs in various states of decomposition were discovered on a country lane close to Kirkham.

A member of the public contacted the RSPCA on 19 February after finding the bodies three dogs; a white Jack Russell terrier, a black spaniel and a black and white puppy, in undergrowth on Bradshaw Lane, not far from a bridge that goes over the M55 at Greenhalgh.

The remains of two dogs, of unknown breed, were discovered later after a RSPCA animal rescue officer was sent to investigated.

According to the RSPCA, the male Jack Russell is believed to have been dumped about five to seven days prior to being found. The dog was microchipped and enquiries by RSPCA officers have found he was called Chase and registered to someone living in Darlington, County Durham, but had since been rehomed by them.

The black spaniel, who was also microchipped but the details not registered, and the puppy – possibly another Jack Russell Terrier – had both been at the scene longer. None of the three dogs whose remains were still intact had any obvious signs of injury and it is not known how they died, the RSPCA added.

Adam Wormwell, the RSPCA officer who attended the scene, said: “The dogs were lying about three metres down a slope, just past some wooden fencing, and were quite visible from the road. It was a distressing sight to come across.

“Five deceased dogs found at the same location over a period of time is obviously a cause for concern and we’re keen to find out how and why these animals came to be found like this.”

Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA’s appeal line, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 01452640.

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