THE body of a dog was found in a Falkirk canal with its legs tied together and weighed down by a rock, the SSPCA has said.

Scotland's animal welfare charity was alerted earlier this week when the spaniel-type dog was taken to a local vet.

It will now have a post mortem to confirm the cause of death.

The SSPCA has launched an investigation, with officials appealing to the public for information.

An undercover inspector from the charity said: “We’ve been unable to determine if the dog was dead before being placed in the water and would urge anyone who noticed anything suspicious, or recognises the dog, to get in touch with our animal helpline in strict confidence.

“If anyone in the area is missing a dog fitting this description we would urge them to get in contact with us.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.