THE RSPCA is appealing to our readers to help trace the owner of a dog which was stuffed into a backpack and thrown into the sea at New Brighton.

The pet is believed to have been a seven-year-old male black and white cross breed.

His remains were found tied up in a bag washed up on the sand near Perch Rock.

Some details about his past have been recovered as he was microchipped.

Wirral RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes said: “His name was Connor and he was rehomed by the Dogs Trust originally as a puppy in 2009 to someone in the St Helens area.

“Inquiries I’ve made from the details held by the chip company show the previous owner rehomed Connor five years ago offering him 'free to a good home' through the internet.

“They then delivered the dog to an unknown address in Liverpool.”

An appeal has been launched by the animal charity to find the person who rehomed Connor.

Inspector Joynes said: “I would like to talk to the last owner or person responsible for Connor’s welfare.

“I would urge them or anybody who knows anything about what happened to him to get in touch.”

There is currently no suggestion of any previous cruelty to Connor but the circumstances in which he was found will obviously cause concern for the RSPCA.

Anyone with information should call the charity on 0300 1234 999.

Editor's note: Social media rumours that Connor had been "beheaded" are false.