AN animal welfare group today condemned the thugs who left a dog tied to a railway line to die under the wheels of a train.

They described it as an act of 'appalling wilful cruelty'.

The animal was discovered with string round its front and rear legs by a Railtrack worker on a stretch of line on the Darwen side of Raikes viaduct, close to Bridge Street, Lower Darwen.

Today the RSPCA, which deals with cases of cruelty to animals, appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

It said people found guilty of such shocking cruelty could face a six-month prison sentence as well as a £5,000 fine.

Police have described the incident as 'callous and cruel'. They believe the dog's body could have been there for up to three weeks.

Officers have conducted house to house inquiries in the Bridge Street area.

The dog is described as brown with long legs and a long face, and could well have been a lurcher or greyhound.

Emma Newtbrown from the RSPCA said: "This is an appalling act of wilful cruelty and is particular disturbing because it does appear to have been intentional, with the dog found tied with string.

"The punishment for something like this does not seem enough but the good thing for our charity is that if anyone is found guilty, they could be banned from keeping animals for life which is the crucial aspect for us.

"We would appeal for anyone who has any information to contact us as soon as possible. "

The RSPCA can be reached on its 24 hour cruelty hotline on 08705 555 999.

Alternately anyone who may have knowledge of this sickening act can contact the British Transport Police, free, on 0800 40 50 40.