Four dogs discovered in bin bags at Thamesmead lake

Image courtesy Missing Paw Team UK

An appeal has been launched for anyone who can help after four dogs were discovered floating in bin bags at Southmere lake in Thamesmead.

The Missing Paw Team UK visited the scene on Saturday 24th September 2022 at 8.00pm and discovered the three dogs.

In total four were found, with 3 adult Bully XLs approximately 2 years old and 1 Bully puppy approximately 1 year old.

Anyone with information or who may have been near the lake in recent days can contact 101 and quote Crime Reference Number 3913809/22

Investigation

According to Missing Paw UK: “Police arrived and after assessing the scene called for extra resources in the form of their colleagues at the Marine Policing Unit.

They were able to deploy a small boat to remove one bag to the edge and used extendable hook poles to pull in the others.

On examination the contents of the 4 bags it revealed 3 adult Bully XLs approximately 2 years old and 1 Bully puppy approximately 1 year old.

Colours and sexes have been withheld.

We were assisted in placing these deceased dogs in child size body bags which really hit the team hard.

The dogs have been removed and transported to a veterinary practice while an ongoing joint Metropolitan Police and RSPCA investigation takes place to try and find the perpetrators of this horrific incident. This will include tracing the owner or owners via microchips, CCTV search, and witness appeals.

I can’t thank our volunteer for her methodical actions and raising the alarm.

I would also like to thank Metropolitan police officers and Marine policing Unit for their assistance in recovering these poor dogs and allowing us to offer them some dignity and a final resting place.

This is an extremely sad incident for all those involved but I thank the members of the public who made the initial call, without you We wouldn’t have known.”