TWO local businessmen have put forward a £500 reward for information after shocking images were released by the RSPCA of a four-month-old puppy that was found dead in Liden lagoon.

Dog lovers Ben Blackmore, 27, and Peter Sands, 49, said they were ‘sickened’ by the images that were printed in the Adver last week and wanted to help.

Mr Blackmore,from Toothill said: “We read the story in the Adver and were so sickened by it.

“We were discussing it in the office and agreed we would like to do something.

“We want to offer the reward for any information that leads to a prosecution.”

The body of the young Staffordshire bull terrier was found floating in Liden Lagoon with a plastic bag wrapped around its head by an angler on April 11.

A post-mortem examination revealed that he had a fractured leg and jaw, which are thought to have happened prior to him being thrown in the water.

Mr Blackmore, who has a Pomeranian/Chiuaua cross called Teddy and a Staffie/Labrador cross called Rocco, runs an IT business called Assyst Solutions with Mr Sands, who lives in Calne and has two German shepherds.

He said: “We are both animal lovers and both have two dogs that we have had since they were puppies.

“They are so innocent and trusting at that age so for someone to do something like that is sickening.

“We are both willing to donate £250 each from our wages and we’re hoping other companies might join in so we can try and get a prosecution.”

Jo Barr, from the RSPCA, said they had already received information from members of the public but still wanted to hear from anyone who might know exactly how the dog died, saw it being walked by someone, or saw it being dumped in the lagoon.

She added that the offer of a reward from Mr Blackmore and Mr Sands was ‘incredibly generous’.

Anyone with information is urged to call the RSPCA cruelty and information line on 0300 1234 999 and leave a message for Ins Albinson. Calls are treated in confidence.