A council is trying to trace the owner of a dead sheep which was dumped on the side of a road.

The animal is believed to have been dumped in Moss Lane, Knuzden, in the early hours of last Friday.

Lancashire County Council's animal health team were called to the scene but have been unable to trace those responsible.

Animal health officer Colin Barton said it was an offence to dispose of a dead animal. He said: "To have the animal removed and dealt with properly has cost the taxpayer and also, until it was reported, the carcass has posed a health and safety risk to the public.

"The animal had had its ear-tag removed , which would have identified where the sheep had been born.

"There was a temporary mark on its back which consisted of a red dot and a blue dot. This temporary mark could also signify where the animal had come from.

"We have investigated in the area and it does not appear to have come from land in the vicinity.

"That is why we think we are looking for someone who keeps a very small number of animals on a smallholding, or perhaps a someone from out of the area. Either way, we are very keen to find out who is responsible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lancashire Trading Standards Service, Animal Health and Welfare on 0845 330 1221.