A DEAD dog that was recovered by a good Samaritan at the side of the road near Worcester has not been reported as animal cruelty.

Heather I'Anson, of Malvern, collected the staffy on Monday evening (May 29) at the end of King's End Road in Powick and transported it to Vets Now, at Severn Veterinary Centre in Worcester.

The dog was dumped in a builders bag wrapped in a blanket.

West Mercia Police was contacted and referred it to Worcestershire County Council's Highways and Travel team in line with their policy about animals found on the highway, which is typically for roadkill.

READ MORE: Dead staffy dumped in builder's bag in King's End Road, Powick

The police also confirmed that they have not since had the matter referred to them as a report of intentional animal cruelty.

A spokesperson for Worcestershire Regulatory Services confirmed that the dog did not have a microchip.

They said: "WRS were not informed about a deceased dog at Powick other than a member of the public mentioning that she’d seen a post on social media.

"She mentioned that a dead dog had been found wrapped in a builder’s bag and left on a verge in Powick and that the dog had been taken to Severn Vets in Worcester.

"WRS have called Severn Vets to enquire about a microchip to see if we could find the owner, but Severn Vets have confirmed that the dog didn’t have a microchip, so it is not possible to trace the owners of the dog.

"WRS also advised that the RSPCA would deal with animal welfare or cruelty concerns."

READ MORE: Malvern Hills Trust advice to keep dogs safe from adders

When Mrs I'Anson found the dog, she said it was hidden away in a bag and wrapped in a sheet.

She said: "I do not know the full circumstances of how this poor dog came to be left where she was but it is incredibly sad.

"She was left in long grass, wrapped in a builders bag, along a popular dog walking route.

"She was a pretty light tan staffy with a white blaze on her chest. It certainly does affect you seeing something like that.

"She was seen by a few people throughout the day but, of course, it is difficult to know what to do in that situation."

Mrs I'Anson, who works as a professional pet sitter, first saw the reports on social media and decided to go collect the dog herself that evening.

We have contacted the RSPCA and Vets Now for more information.