Police have been called in after a dog was found cut in two in a Sussex back garden.
Dog wardens were called to the garden in Cornwallis Gardens, Hastings, where a resident had found the remains of a small black dog.
A dog warden spokesman said: "We have consulted our wildlife experts and are satisfied another animal did not kill the dog.
"It had been cut in two by a sharp instrument."
He said the animal was thought to have been killed elsewhere and placed in the garden after it died.
The spokesman added: "We are working closely with Sussex Police and the RSPCA in an attempt to apprehend the person responsible for this cruel and vicious crime. The dog must have suffered greatly."
Anyone with information should call Hastings dog wardens on 01424 781338.
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