Mystery surrounds dog's body uncovered from shallow grave in Edinburgh after residents complain about 'strong smell'

Suspicions surround the death of a dog that was allegedly found in a shallow grave in the Inch area of the Capital.

It is understood the morbid discovery was made yesterday behind shops in Walter Scott Avenue after residents complained about a “strong smell” coming from the area.

A local animal welfare Facebook group, ‘Find Jeff’, has issued an appeal for more information to find out whether or not the dog died in suspicious circumstances.

In a message on its Facebook page the group says: “It is with a heavy heart that we need to appeal for your help in connection with the unearthing of a dog’s body in the Inch area of Edinburgh.

“Workers alerted the council after they became concerned over a strong smell coming from a locked grassy area behind some shops in the Inch area.

“The dog’s body was discovered in a shallow grave.

“The body appears to be that of a large female, possibly bull-breed type dog, with a docked or partially amputated tail.

“There was no blanket or covering around her body and she was not chipped. No collar was found at the scene either.

“Now it may well be that someone has lost their dog due to illness or natural causes and decided to lay her to rest in this area because it is a locked secure area, not realising she would be disturbed again rather than have her cremated at the vets.

“However, it could also be that this dog has suffered or been dumped here in more sinister circumstances.”

A member of the group said council workers “respectively moved” the animal and were waiting until further inquiries are made.

Edinburgh City Council has been contacted for comment.