AN animal charity has appealed for information after a dead dog was found dumped in a gym bag in a stream.

Archie, a Staffordshire bull terrier was discovered in a shallow stream at the bottom of a farmer’s field just off The Crescent, Heslington, in York, on Sunday, January 5.

RSPCA inspector Alice Cooper said: “Archie was a black and white male Staffy and was wearing a red collar when he was found.

“The gym bag he was in is quite distinctive - blue with white writing saying ‘Make your own destiny’ all over it.

“Whilst we don’t know what the cause of death was at the moment, there was quite a bit of blood present, and it seems like a very strange way to dispose of a loved pet."

Anyone with information is being urged to call the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message.