ANIMAL welfare investigators were last night set to close in on the owner of a dumped dead dog near a Hampshire supermarket after receiving a tip off.

Mystery surrounds how the female, adult Staffordshire bull terrier died or how it came to be left in a spot notorious for fly-tipping.

The RSPCA has been appealing for anyone who may be able to identify the dog or who may know what has happened to get in touch.

Because the bull terrier had not been microchipped so it has been difficult to identify exactly where she has come from.

Now after receiving information via the Daily Echo, the RSPCA is following up a line of enquiry about the owner of the dog which was apparently left cruelly dumped.

The grim discovery was made on Mansergh Walk in Totton near Morrisons supermarket.

It is thought the dog would have likely been dumped sometime between June 22 and 25 this year.

RSPCA inspector Penny Baker said: “Her body was found lifeless and strewn amongst bits of old plastic, discarded cans and wiring.

“It truly made my heart sink to think that this poor girl had such a sad, undignified end to her life in this world.

“It is just disgraceful that this dog was dumped in a ditch like this and how anyone can treat their pet in this manner just honestly defies belief.

“An investigation is under way and we would urge anyone that can help us to identify her, who may have seen anything suspicious in the area around the time of this incident, or who may know what happened, including how she may have ended up in this ditch to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with further information should about this incident can call the RSPCA inspector appeal line in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018.