HORRIFIED RSPCA inspectors are appealing for information after the disturbing discovery of a young dead female dog in a Netherton canal, who was found with her legs tied together.

A shocked member of the public made the gruesome discovery on February 22, after finding the painfully thin dog in the dirty water, off Primrose Bridge.

The dog is a Dogue de Bordeaux, a usually strong and imposing breed.

Instead this dog, who is thought to be around three-years-old was severely emaciated and had puncture wounds on her legs, which are thought to be bite wounds.

Her front and back legs were tied together with electric cable and her head was covered with a plastic bin bag.

RSPCA Inspector Dawn Burrell, said: “I am completely disgusted by the condition of this dog and the appalling circumstances in which she was found,”

“From her condition it is very clear she has been neglected for some time, I believe she had been starved for at least one month.”

“We have sent her body off for post-mortem but at this stage I want to hear from anyone who thinks they may know who she belonged to or who knows of someone in the area that owned a female Dogue de Bordeaux and no longer has the animal. She was a distinctive dog – in a healthy condition she would have been a stunning, powerful animal - so I am hopeful that we can find out who owned her and who was responsible for her prolonged suffering.”

Anyone with information can contact RSPCA national cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999 leaving a message for Inspector Dawn Burrell.