ANIMAL welfare officers are appealing for information after a dead puppy was found half-buried on a residential estate.
The seven-week-old cross-breed was discovered on a grassed area in Springfield Road, Darlington.
The RSPCA is treating the dog's death as suspicious and officers are hoping that members of the public will be able to provide details about its owners.
Inspector Garry Palmer said: "The dog was only half buried and it appears that whoever did it was disturbed.
"It is strange case and although there were no visible marks in the animal, we are treating its death as suspicious.
"We would like to hear from anyone with information about the animals or its owners."
People with information can contact the RSPCA on (08705) 555999.
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