THE RSPCA is appealing for information after a dog was found dead in a flooded ditch with his front and back legs tied together.

A member of the public made the shocking discovery at Barecroft Common, Magor. As well as his legs tied together the dog had a towel over his head.

The dog was microchipped and was revealed to be Sam, a 16-year-old Jack Russell.

RSPCA inspector Emma Smith tracked down the owners who told her Sam had been missing since Monday 22nd December.

"Sam had escaped from the back garden and his owners could not find him," she said.

"They put up posters and put it on Facebook. But sadly a member of the public found the dog dead in the ditch and took him to a veterinary surgery who contacted us.

"He had his front and his back legs tied and a black towel over his head.

"If anybody saw Sam after Monday 22nd December and has any information about what happened to him please get in touch.

"It must have been so traumatic for the owners for their dog to go missing just before Christmas and then not get any news until we tell them he has been found in such awful circumstances."

Sam's heartbroken owner, Joanne Dean, said they had been doing all they could to find Sam.

"It was not what we were expecting at all," she said. "We had been putting out posters and put it on websites and Facebook.

"We had Sam for 14 years, he was two when we got him."

Anyone who may have information about this incident should contact Inspector Smith through the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

The RSPCA is a charity that relies on donations to exist. If you would like to help, you can give £3 now by texting HELP to 78866 (text costs £3 + one standard network rate

message).