The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) is appealing for information after the body of a German Shepherd dog was found dumped in a plastic bag in a Meath ditch.

A member of the public made the discovery while out walking on a road off the R164 between Moynalty and Kingscourt.

The female dog, aged approximately two years old, had been shot twice at close range.

The ISPCA says she was in good condition prior to death and was wearing a black collar, but there was no ID tag or microchip.

Meath County Dog Warden Alan Nolan went to the scene and contacted the ISPCA.

The discovery comes less than two months after the carcasses of five dogs and a goat were found dumped in bags just 35 kilometres away in Killalon, Co Meath.

Anyone with information as to what may have happened are asked to contact the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline in confidence on 1890-515-515 or report online at www.ispca.ie