THE RSPCA has issued a further statement after the bodies of four dogs were recovered from a lake in Thamesmead.   

Officers were called to Southmere Lake in Bazalgette Way just before 8.50pm on September 24.  

A person had reportedly seen three sacks floating in the lake that appeared to have something inside them.  

Marine Policing Unit officers attended and the bodies of four dogs were recovered from the lake.   

The RSPCA said some dogs were found with cropped ears, which is an illegal procedure to carry out in the UK, unless for medical reasons.

RSCPA chief inspector, Mark Miles said finding four dead dogs of the similar breed known as, XL American Bullies, suggests they were dumped by the same owner.  

He said one of the dogs, who was a brown and white female American bull breed, was approximately seven months old. 

Mark explained that with the details found on her microchip, it is believed her name was Luna. 

RSPCA is working with Metropolitan Police to investigate the incident. 

The animal rescue charity urges anyone with information to contact its appeal line on 0300 123 8018.  

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is also asked to call police on 101 and quote reference CAD 6661/24SEP.  

RSPCA chief inspector Mark Miles said: “This is clearly a very disturbing discovery and we’re very keen to find out more as soon as possible.  

“To find four dead dogs of similar breeding known as ‘XL American Bullies,’ in the same location suggests they were dumped by the same owner or breeder - someone who is possibly known in their community for owning this type of large dog, with cropped ears. 

“So far we believe that one of the dogs, a brown and white female American bull breed, was approximately seven months old, and from details on her microchip we believe her name was Luna.  

“We’re still finding out more about the remaining three dogs. 

“We continue to work with the Metropolitan Police to investigate this horrific incident, and we’re urging anyone with information to contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.  

“I’d like to reassure people they can contact us in complete confidence.” 

A spokesperson for RSPCA said: “The bodies of the dogs were removed by Metropolitan Police officers last weekend (24 September) at around 9pm, after they were noticed by shocked locals. 

"The RSPCA has now launched an investigation. 

"One dog was floating in the water, whilst a further three were contained inside a plastic bag. Since the bodies were recovered, the RSPCA has been working alongside vets to find out more about the dogs, but officers are appealing to anyone who recognises the dogs to come forward. 

"Some of the dogs has cropped ears - a procedure, which is illegal to carry out in the UK, unless for medical reasons."

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Police are investigating an allegation of animal cruelty  after four dogs were recovered dead from a lake.

“Officers were called at 20:49hrs on Saturday, 24 September to Southmere Lake, Bazalgette Way, SE22. 

“A person had reported three sacks floating in the lake which appeared to have something inside them. 

“Marine Policing Unit officers attended and the bodies of four dogs were recovered from the lake.  

“The dogs appeared to be similar to the American Bulldog type. 

“The RSPCA have been informed and the MPS is working in consultation with them. 

“Post mortems will take place in due course.  

“Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 6661/24SEP  

“To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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