HORRIFIED onlookers were left distressed after watching a dead dog being pulled out from a suitcase which had been chucked into a canal.

The police and RSPCA officers were called to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, close to the Asda supermarket on Grimshaw Retail Park in Blackburn on Wednesday evening following concerns about a suitcase which had been discovered by passers-by.

Tragically inside was a dead decomposing dog.

Angela Fields, who had been walking home from the supermarket when she happened across the scene, said at first she wasn’t sure exactly what was going on and feared police were looking for a human body in the water.

The 62-year-old said: “I had my young grandson with me and was keen to get him across the road so he wouldn’t see what was going on – you hear about all sorts going on along the canal, so when I saw the police I wasn’t sure at first.

“But I managed to distract him and looked down to see all of the officers by the towpath and a box on the ground, which was then covered in a sheet.

“This is just awful, I hope that the owner of the dog just panicked when it died rather than this being how it met its death.

“I have two West Highland terriers myself and the thought of them ever being in that way really breaks my heart.”

The RSPCA have now spoken out to thank those who first reported their concerns about the dog, which it was later discovered had no microchip so cannot be traced back to its owners.

A spokesperson said: “This must have been such a distressing discovery, and we thank those who found the dog for voicing their concerns.

“We’re not sure what happened to this poor dog, and there was no microchip found so we’re not able to find out who the owner was.

“The dog’s body was examined by a vet but sadly because it was quite decomposed it was unclear exactly when or how this dog died, although no obvious signs of foul play were discovered.

“If anyone has any information they can contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018. All calls are treated in confidence.”