 A DOG was tied to a tree on a Birmingham golf course, sprayed with de-icer fluid and then set on fire in a sickening attack, RSPCA inspectors revealed today. Now staff at the RSPCA's headquarters in Barnes Hill have released shocking photos of the dog's charred body which was found at Handsworth Golf Course in a bid to try an find those responsible. The horrific discovery of what is thought to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier stunned Inspector Simon Davis even though he is no stranger to terrible sights and cases of animal mis-treatment in the course of his work. He said today he had been shocked to think anyone could be so cruel as to burn a dog alive. "I find it difficult to put my thoughts into words after removing the charred body of this dog," he said. "I know the general public will find this incident as upsetting as I have and my hope is that the publication of photos of this horrendous scene will result in people coming forward with information." A dog walker made the grim discovery last Wednesday on the edge of the golf course, which is on the Sandwell border, off Silvercroft Avenue. The dog was found tied tightly to a tree by his lead on a patch of open land off Silvercroft Avenue. It had been wearing a muzzle, a distinctive black leather harness with a brass pattern and a tan leather collar with brass studs. The dog had a wound on the top of his head and beside him lay a large burnt can, similar in shape to a de-icer canister. The fire scorched a large area of ground surrounding the body. Inspector Davies said: "It is my opinion that this dog was alive when he was deliberately set alight. He was tied to the tree so tightly that I had to use a knife to free him. "What is particularly upsetting is that I believe the dog was set on fire wearing a muzzle to prevent him from barking. I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to please get in contact with me. "This case is horrific and the public are our only hope of finding out who could have committed such a crime." Calls can be made to the RSPCA Cruelty and Advice Line on 0870 55 55 999. All calls will be treated with the strictest of confidence.
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