A HUNT has been launched for the owners of a dead dog which was left dumped in a Hampshire ditch.

A woman discovered the pet, which is thought to have been alive when he was abandoned, in Fleet End Lane, Warsash, next to a pile of flytipped rubbish.

The boxer mastiff cross was found at the bottom of the four-foot deep ditch on Monday, July 24, and the RSPCA has launched an investigation.

Tina Ward, who is leading the operation, said: "The dog was found in a small narrow lane regularly used by dog walkers but not really accessible for vehicles with only one section where it opens out a bit to allow cars to pass.

"There was no blood and no tyre marks from a vehicle. It looked as though he had probably been rolled or pushed down the bank and looked as though he was laid asleep at the bottom of the ditch.

"As there was faeces leaving his body when he was found I would say that he was not dead when he was dumped but dying. He was found by a caring member of the public who had to get help from others to get him out of the ditch.

"Sadly he wasn’t microchipped and had no identification tag so we would like to hear from anyone who may recognise him or know where he has come from.

"Anyone who can assist with our investigation can get in touch by calling our appeal line on 0300 123 8018."