Police and animal-welfare volunteers are appealing for information after the body of a Rottweiler bearing stab wounds was discovered beneath a bridge near Kingshurst Brook in Chelmsley Wood on Friday 10 July. The dog was found by a member of the public, and the RSPCA has launched a public appeal for anyone with knowledge of the case to come forward.
RSPCA seeks witnesses as investigators probe origin
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Lydia Andrews said the charity does not believe the animal was killed at the spot where its body was located. Officers are therefore trying to establish where the dog came from and how it was brought to the site beneath the bridge.
“We do not believe the dog was killed at this location, so we are appealing for information to see if anyone saw someone in the area or who has any information about where the dog has come from and how his body came to be discarded in this way.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018 and refer to incident number 01852950. The charity has reiterated that reports from the public can be crucial in establishing a timeline and identifying people or vehicles seen in the area around the date the dog is believed to have been killed.
Context: rising reports of animal cruelty
The appeal comes amid broader concerns about animal welfare. The RSPCA has published figures showing a marked increase in emergency cruelty calls over a five-year period, underlining pressure on the charity and local enforcement agencies.
| Period | Emergency cruelty calls |
|---|---|
| June–Aug 2021 | 3,852 |
| June–Aug 2025 | 6,322 |
That change equates to a 64% increase in the number of emergency calls received by the RSPCA during the summer months compared with the earlier period. The charity says it received a report every ten minutes during its operating hours in the busiest months.
What residents can do
Local residents are being asked to check any personal CCTV or dashcam footage for the area around Kingshurst Brook and to consider whether they saw anyone carrying an animal or acting suspiciously in the days leading up to 10 July. The RSPCA has published the contact number and incident reference as the primary channel for information.
- Call RSPCA appeals line: 0300 123 8018
- Quote incident number: 01852950
- Share any relevant images or video if possible with investigators
The discovery has prompted renewed calls from animal-welfare groups for vigilance and for members of the public to report concerns promptly. Local authorities and police may also be involved as enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the dog's death.
Further updates will be provided as the RSPCA and other agencies progress their inquiries and if new information becomes available to investigators.
