AN INVESTIGATION into a dead dog found dumped on the side of the road will only be carried out if there is evidence of suspicious circumstances or mistreatment.

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.

A concerned member of the public contacted the Worcester News to say she had tried to discuss how the dog died with the vets but was not able to be told anything.

Vets Now confirmed this was due to the client confidentiality of registered owners.

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

A spokesperson for Vets Now said: “We always thank members of the public for reporting stray or lost animals.

"Due to client confidentiality, veterinary professionals are duty-bound (by the RCVS – Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons - Code of Conduct) to only discuss cases with registered owners. 

“If there is no registered owner, it’s the responsibility of the veterinary surgeon who cared for the animal to decide based on assessment of the body (and any evidence of suspicious circumstances or mistreatment) whether there is any requirement for further investigation.”

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.

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

The RSPCA said that the incident was not one that the chief inspector who covers the patch was aware of. 

READ MORE: Dead dog found in Powick not reported as animal cruelty says police

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."