ANIMAL welfare chiefs are trying to track down the thugs who killed a young dog, leaving it hanging by a metal chain from a bridge in Bury.

RSPCA inspectors discovered the cross-breed bitch after they were called to the scene by the River Irwell, near to Gigg Lane.

A member of the public had spotted the animal’s body hanging from the bridge by a chain, which had pulled tight, about 7.30am on Saturday April 24.

It is believed the animal had died from strangulation several hours earlier.

The RSPCA said the dog suffered a “horrendous death” and has now issued a public appeal for information to help them catch those responsible.

Inspector Caroline Hall said: “That someone could do such a thing is just unbelievable to me. This was a young, apparently healthy, dog.

“I want to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious as soon as possible. I’m keeping an open mind as to who the person, or people, responsible for this awful act of cruelty are.

“What I do know is that this dog suffered a horrendous death. It seems likely that the person or people responsible took her to this bridge intending to do what they did to her.”

A Facebook group — causes.com/causes/479370 — has also been set up to help catch those responsible for the horrific attack.

One member posted: “This group is to help raise funds for a reward for the capture of those responsible and to find and bring to justice in the courts those who committed this evil act.”

The dog is described as a tri-coloured collie crossed German shepherd, aged between one and two years old, and was wearing a green leather collar, but no ID tag or microchip.

Inspector Hall said she is particularly interested to speak to a woman and two men who were spotted with a dog in the area at the time.

She added: “Hopefully someone has seen or heard something. Even if they have noticed a neighbour’s dog hasn’t been seen for several days.”

l—The RSPCA can be contacted, anonymously, on the 24-hour cruelty line 0300 1234 999.

Causing unnecessary suffering to an animal carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison and/or £20,000 fine under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.