A DEAD Dogue de Bordeaux has been found in the Ebbw River with marks around her body, prompting an RSPCA Cymru appeal for information.

The charity was alerted after the brindle-coloured female dog was found in water adjacent to Newbridge’s Riverside Terrace on Wednesday, November 15.

RSPCA officers retrieved the body from the river, with injuries visible on her left flank, and the side of the head. It’s unclear whether this damage was sustained before or after the dog died, with the body found amid rocks and boulders in the river.

There was also a large growth found under the dog’s jaw, which was oozing puss – and is likely to have been causing her discomfort for some while, and would have required treatment.

RSPCA Cymru has urged anyone with information related to this incident to contact the charity’s inspectorate appeal line – with all calls treated in confidence. The Dogue de Bordeaux was not microchipped, so any prospective owner is currently unknown.

Annie Simmonds, an inspector for the RSPCA, said: “We don’t know if this dog was deliberately dumped in the river, or if an owner is searching for this poor animal and may not know of the dog’s tragic fate.”

“It’s also unclear whether the injuries were sustained before or after death, but the growth on her jaw is likely to have caused the dog discomfort for some while.

“RSPCA officers retrieved the body from the river, but the dog does not appear to be microchipped, so we are appealing to the local community for information. Anyone who may know something related to this sad incident is urged to contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”