HORRIFIED dog walkers found a dead terrier floating in the canal in Blackburn.

The passers-by were left in shock when they came across the young dog floating in the canal near Thwaites Empire Theatre.

Deborah Zolesi, was out walking her own dog when she came across what appeared to be a Jack Russell in the water. She fears it may have been drowned.

She said: “I was on my daily walk when I saw what I thought was a dead cat floating in the water, but after a better look I realised it was a dog.

“I wanted to make a Facebook Live video on the group about missing dogs to see if anyone could help.”

Ms Zolesi, who was with a friend at the time, tried to pull the dog from the water but they were unable to do so.

They then spent the next hour-and-a half calling the council and the RSPCA but were unsuccessful at contacting them.

“I really found it very strange as I think if your dog had fallen in the water you would try to save it,” she said.

At around 5pm on Sunday the two ladies went home as they realised there was nothing more they could do.

When Ms Zolesi woke up the next morning she had received a message from Gemma Bain, a volunteer from animal charity, Harvey’s Army, who said she would be down to help straight away.

Gemma arrived with her husband Steve and they were able to retrieve the dog before scanning her to see if she had a chip.

“We wanted to scan the dog to see if she had a chip, but she didn’t,” said Gemma. “It was really heart-breaking to see.

“She is now at the Animal Trust vets in Blackburn who are trying to find out what happened to her.”

An RSPCA spokesman said: “We can’t find any record of a call about this horrible discovery. Anyone with concerns about an animal’s welfare should ring the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.”