In the peaceful English town of Bath, Somerset, a heartbreaking discovery has left residents reeling — and demanding answers.
Buddy, a black and brown Jagdterrier known and loved by locals, was found lifeless in the River Avon. But this wasn’t a tragic accident. It was a deliberate act of cruelty.
Buddy had been tied to a heavy weight with a rope knotted tightly around his neck — a setup meant to ensure he wouldn’t survive.
The RSPCA, describing the killing as “heartless and gruesome,” has now launched an urgent investigation and is calling on the public for help.
“Buddy was intentionally killed in a heartless and gruesome way,” said RSPCA Inspector Dan Hatfield, who is leading the case.
It was March 7th when a local resident made a heartbreaking discovery in the Weston area of Bath — the lifeless body of Buddy. A post-mortem revealed he had been dead for 24–48 hours before being found. And the way he died has left investigators and animal lovers shocked.
Locals expressing anger
For many in Bath, Buddy’s death has struck a deeply emotional chord.
The RSPCA believes he may have been seen in the area in the days before his death and is pleading with anyone who saw him or noticed anything unusual after March 1 to come forward. All tips can be submitted anonymously.
“We’re hoping to speak to anyone who saw him in the final days of his life before his body was sadly found in the river,” said Hatfield.
Photos released by the RSPCA show the terrible conditions in which Buddy was found. The emotional toll has rippled across the community, with locals expressing anger and heartbreak over the brutal way Buddy’s life was taken.
According to UK Animal Cruelty Files, Buddy’s owner reportedly claimed to have taken him to a rescue, but this was later proven to be false. A concerned animal lover, who knew the owner, then posted an appeal in a local lost and found group in an attempt to locate Buddy.
A broader call for change
Sadly, this case isn’t just about one dog — it’s about a much bigger issue. Buddy’s story is part of a disturbing trend of animal abuse that continues to haunt communities across the UK. The RSPCA is pushing for tougher laws and stronger public awareness to prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
“Buddy’s death was a senseless and tragic act of cruelty,” Hatfield emphasized. “We are determined to hold those responsible accountable.”
If you know anything about Buddy’s final days — if you saw something, heard something, or suspect someone may be involved — please contact the RSPCA.
Your tip could help ensure that whoever did this faces the justice they deserve.
Buddy’s life mattered. Now it’s up to all of us to make sure his death leads to change.
