The RSPCA has re-appealed for information after the body of a dead dog with a chain wrapped around it was discovered in a lake at a popular park.

The RSPCA was contacted by Basildon Council after officers made the grisly discovery on Friday May 8 in the lake at Northlands Park, Pitsea.

The charity is urging anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible.

The body of the dog was very decomposed but it is believed to have been a Staffordshire bull terrier type breed.

The dog was found floating and a heavy chain attached to its black fabric harness.

RSPCA Inspector Adam Jones said: “I am investigating this sad incident and would appeal to anyone who may know who owns the dog or the circumstances in which they came to be in the lake.

“Sadly I suspect that this poor dog may have been alive when they were put in the water because whoever has done this has used a very heavy chain which we presume is to weigh the dog’s body down.

“If this dog was alive then they would have suffered an incredibly traumatic death and it breaks my heart to think that an animal could have been treated in such an awful way.

“The body of the dog was very decomposed so we are not able to establish their exact breed, age or sex.

“However someone somewhere may know what has happened to this poor animal and I would urge anyone with any information to contact me in confidence on the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”