Beaten to death

The dogs, both terriers, were found in Wingate Welfare Park, County Durham by a walker on Sunday at about 10am.

It is the latest incident in a shameful record of shocking incidents which has earned the North-East the title of the animal cruelty capital of England.

One dog was white with black ears and the other, which had its neck tied to a branch by a length of twine, was white with a black left ear.

The bodies of the dogs were discovered within approximately five metres of each other.

The stunned walker who found the animals contacted the RSPCA and inspectors attended the scene where they assessed that both dogs had sustained severe trauma wounds to the sides of their heads.

Last night the RSPCA appealed for information about how the pets had come by their wounds.

The woodland surrounding the dogs was covered in blood and both animals were so heavily infested with maggots that the RSPCA inspectors were unable to verify their sex.

RSPCA Inspector Sue Craig yesterday admitted she was at a loss to explain what had happened.

She said: "This is an appalling, shocking incident. Neither of the dogs were microchipped or wore collars, but they seemed in a good, healthy condition, which suggests they may have once belonged to someone.

"Because two dogs were involved and found so close together, it seems unlikely this was an accident.''

She added: "It is difficult at this stage to say for certain how the injuries were inflicted, but both dogs had been hurt very badly.

"We are now trying to determine how these two dogs met such an unfortunate end. If anyone has any information about who may once have owned them, I urge them to contact the RSPCA immediately.''

The former east Durham mining village also made the headlines a month ago when two moorhen chicks were shot at Wingate Quarry Local Nature Reserve in what was described at the time as a "sickening attack.''

Anyone with information on the incident involving the two dogs in the Welfare Park is asked to contact the RSPCA on 0870- 5555999.