Dead dog found in canal with its paws bound

The body of a dog was found "taped and bound" inside a black bin bag in a canal, police have said.

Officers are investigating after the golden Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross was found in Savile Town in Dewsbury at about 11:15 GMT on Sunday, West Yorkshire Police said.

The animal had its paws and muzzle taped, police said. A vet who examined the body said the female dog was about six years old and there were signs it had been neglected before its death.

Sgt Toni Ramsden said the force was "keen to locate and take action against the individual responsible for this poor dog's treatment".

"Animal cruelty is a horrible offence which rightly causes great upset in our communities," she said.

She urged anyone with information or who knows the owner of the dog to contact police.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.