Both dogs are male and are thought to be aged three or below, and are brindle in colour. Neither appear to have been reported missing by an owner and are not microchipped, so it is possible that the owner is aware and possibly was involved in some way in their death. The dogs bore the same unnatural injuries and there is concern as to how these dogs died. The incident has been reported to the local police, R.S.P.C.A inspector and the local dog warden attended the scene. Photographs of both dogs have been taken in order that they can be identified should an owner come forward.

Alison Green of staffycross said " This type of dog is a popular choice for dog thieves and its highly possible they have been stolen from out of the area, before being disposed of."

One was reported as being in the canal on Monday 27th of April 2006 by a member of the public and was recovered the same day close to a horse ramp in an area known locally as the long mile, by British Waterways staff. The second dog was recovered on Thursday 30th April 2006 again by British waterways staff around a third of a mile away on a stretch of the canal which runs behind the Bus station in Burnley centre.

There have been several incidents in the town in the past concerning Staffordshire bull terriers bodies being found in suspicious circumstances, and we are asking the public to come forward with any information they may have concerning these two,

Were you in the area of the canal on the weekend previous to the 27th April?

Did you see or hear anything that may help enquiries into the death of these dogs?

Have you or someone you know lost or had stolen your own dog recently?

Or does someone that you know to have owned one or two male Staffordshire Bull Terriers not have them anymore?

We would like to urge the public to come forward with ANY information however insignificant they may feel it is in order that we can build a clearer picture as to what happened to these dogs. At the moment it is uncertain as to whether the dogs were alive or dead when they entered the canal so anyone hearing or seeing anything in the surrounding areas could hold vital information.

Mel Rushmore of Fireside Rescue said “We also wish to take this opportunity to ask people to be vigilant and not to leave their dogs unattended. Please also ensure that your dogs are kept on a leash when walking along canal towpaths as the high sides prevent a dog from being able to climb out should it fall in”. Please call one of the numbers below if you feel you can help in any way, your call will be treated in the strictest confidence. Or see www.staffycross.org

Please Call Alison Green (Staffycross) 01403 243830
Mel Rushmore (Fireside Rescue) 0870 777 92 94(24 hrs)
Alex Green (Posh Paws Burnley) 01282 448400
Barbara Goodwill (NW Dog Welfare ) 01282 775684

* pictures are available to members of the media on request please email pressoffice@staffycross.org