IT WAS a gruesome discovery that shocked animal lovers across Hampshire.

A dead cocker spaniel with a ten-kilogram dumb-bell strapped to its neck was pulled from the River Test.

Twelve months on, well-wishers have been appalled to learn that memorials left for the animal have been repeatedly removed from the scene of its death.

When the Daily Echo published the shocking image of the dead spaniel, dog lovers pledged nearly £9,000 for a reward fund to catch the culprits. A post-mortem examination later revealed the animal was dead before it was dumped in the water near Nursling Mill.

Visitors to the scene say flowers that are placed there are often removed within a very short space of time. The Daily Echo has previously reported how a wooden plaque in memory of the animal has been removed several times.

Patricia Matthews, of Desborough Road, Eastleigh, placed a bouquet of flowers at the scene to mark the anniversary of being pulled from the river. But she said flowers placed on other occasions were often taken within hours.

"This dog's death has not been forgotten," she said.

"Flowers are placed regularly at the bridge where she was found, even though someone removes them and everything else that has been placed there in respect of the dog frequently."

She believes the items may have been taken by the former owner of the dog.

Various authorities connected with the site, including Test Valley Borough Council and river keeper Martin Donovan, all denied removing items and blamed it on vandals.