Lifeless dog found hanged from tree in Bradford park

A lifeless dog was found hanged from a tree in a Bradford park on Thursday.

The brindle and white Staffordshire bull terrier is believed to have died from a broken neck after getting hoisted over a branch and tied to another.

The lifeless pet was discovered by a dog walker who visited Brackenhill Park, off Hollingwood Lane in Bradford, on Thursday.

RSPCA inspector Sarah Bagley, who handled the shocking discovery, said: ‘This is one of the worst things I’ve dealt with so far as an RSPCA inspector.

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‘This was a big, heavy and seemingly otherwise healthy dog, a male bull breed weighing over 25kg (55lb).

‘Three pieces of rope have been tied together, one end tied around his neck, and hoisted over a tree branch and tied to another branch.

‘It’s absolutely horrifying to think that someone would or could do something like this.’

The dog is described as a young adult aged one or two years old.

It was not microchipped so the animal charity has no way of tracing its owner at the moment.

Inspector Bagley said: ‘The vet who has examined him believes he has died as a result of hanging.

‘He has bruising around his neck and his neck is broken. He was otherwise in good body condition.

‘It’s extremely upsetting to think about what happened here. There seems no doubt this dog has suffered a terrible death.’

The dog was found in the lower part of the park in a clearing in the woods where there was lots of rubbish including a burnt out barbeque and sofa cushions.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious, or who recognises the dog and knows who he belonged to, is urged to contact the RSPCA as soon as possible.

‘If you think you know anything that might help me to find the person or people responsible for this please call the inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and ask to leave a message for me,’ said Inspector Bagley.