Missing dog found dead in suitcase in Sheffield

Prince the Jack Russell was found dead in a suitcase in Sheffield. Photo: RSPCA

UPDATE: Crowdfunding page set up to raise £1,000 reward after beloved dog found dead in suitcaseTwelve-year-old Prince disappeared from the home of his owner’s friend in Raby Street in Tinsley at around 11pm on Saturday 5 November, Bonfire Night.

Another dog who also went missing returned later that night but there was no sign of the Jack Russell.

The suitcase Prince was found in. Photo: RSPCA

The RSPCA was called on Tuesday morning after a member of the public went to investigate a suitcase that had been dumped out of a car at around 6.30am.

The witness saw a dark-coloured Astra-size car reverse into the garage area which serves some of the houses on St Lawrence Road, near where it joins the A631 Bawtry Road and around half a mile away from where Prince went missing, according to the RSPCA.

As it was dark and her view was obscured she couldn’t see how many people were in the car but believes it was a man who got out and left something in the bottom of a hedge, the investigation team reported.

It wasn’t until it was getting light that the witness realised it was a blue suitcase, went to investigate, and found Prince inside.

'Whilst there are no obvious signs of trauma to Prince - he literally just looked as though he was asleep - the way in which he was found is suspicious'. Photo: RSPCA

The case had a badge on the front with brand name ‘Marco Polo’ on it.

Anyone with any information about what happened to Prince should call the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and ask to leave a message for RSPCA Inspector Dransfield.

Inspector Dransfield said: “I saw a post on Facebook on Wednesday morning and my heart sank, I just knew it was the same dog I’d collected the day before.

“I contacted Prince’s owner and she came to the local animal centre to identify him.

Prince went missing at around 11pm on Bonfire Night. Photo: RSPCA

“It was a really heartbreaking day. Naturally she is devastated and wants to know what happened to her much-loved pet.”

“Whilst there are no obvious signs of trauma to Prince - he literally just looked as though he was asleep - the way in which he was found is suspicious. If you have any specific information at all please contact me as soon as possible."