A dead puppy has been found dumped in a Lidl carrier bag in St Albans, with the RSPCA desperate to find out more about the heartbreaking incident.

The body of the a German Shepherd puppy was found by a member of the public on Saturday, January 28, in a field at the junction of Hammonds Lane and Coleman Green Lane.

The dog was not microchipped, and the RSPCA are keen to find out what happened.

"This is very upsetting and we are keen to find out how the puppy came to be dumped like this and why he was in the condition he was in," said RSPCA animal rescue officer Nicole Pendrell-Smith.

"The body was examined by a vet, who determined that the puppy was around 12 to 14 weeks old.

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"He had no external injuries but was emaciated and had signs of a gastric illness. It is clear that the puppy was ill before he died and may have not had treatment.

"We are urging anyone who has any information at all to please contact us in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018."

Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal can visit the www.rspca.org.uk for advice on what to do.