A dog has been found hanged in Somerset in what police suspect is a "deliberate and cruel" act.
Police are appealing for witnesses after the body of a lurcher was found by a family out horse riding in Haselbury Plucknett on Sunday 30 December.
Avon and Somerset inspector Jackie Gold, who was on duty at the time, said: "The death of an animal is always upsetting when it may have been done intentionally. On this occasion, the animal was found by a family out horse riding and they were understandable upset by their discovery.
"We believe the dog was killed deliberately in a cruel act and we are conducting enquiries to establish how the dog died and who is responsible. We do not believe the dog had been dead long when we found it so I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area on Sunday and may have seen something suspicious."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.