INCENSED animal lovers have pledged nearly £9,000 in a bid to catch whoever dumped a spaniel in a Hampshire river with a 10kg weight tied to its neck.

The Daily Echo reported earlier this month how the golden coated dog was pulled from the River Test after being spotted by a pair of horrified dog walkers.

Calls have flooded in since from people all over the country who are happy to pay out of their own pockets to ensure that, if the dog was killed, the person responsible is put behind bars.

Three bouquets of flowers have also been taped to the handrail of the footbridge where the dog was found.

One touching note reads: "Rest in peace little dog. With all our love from a very angry dog lover."

The exact cause of death is still unknown although the RSPCA has ruled out drowning.

The animal welfare organisation claims the spaniel was dead before she was plunged into the water.

But if the dog was killed cruelly, animal lovers want to make sure whoever did it receives a lifetime ban from owning animals - and preferably a spell in prison.

The reward fund of £8,847.50 will be paid - if a crime was committed - to whoever points the finger at the person responsible for the dog's death.

The full amount will only be paid if that person is prosecuted and convicted.

But £5,000 of the sum, contributed by a woman who wishes to remain anonymous, will be paid out simply if someone is prosecuted, irrespective of whether they are found guilty.

John Fahy, of Hunt and Hunt Solicitors, said: "On behalf of my client I am able to confirm that I am holding the sum of £5,000 which I am instructed to pay to any informant whose information brings about a prosecution, whether or not resulting in a verdict of guilty, in respect of the spaniel which was recently thrown in the River Test with a bodybuilder's weight tied to it."

RSPCA spokesman Lucy Harding said: "The response from people in this case has been amazing.

"We hope that if this dog did come to any harm this money may help us find out the events leading up to her body being found in the River Test.

"We're surprised no one has come forward yet. There must be someone who knows who this dog belongs to.

"Any information we can get is really important. We hope this latest donation may lead someone to give us information."

The results of a post-mortem are expected in the next few days.

Anyone who can reveal the identity of the person who left the dog in the river is urged to contact the RSPCA on 0870 555 5999, or pet detective June Bailey on 01903 772176.

To contribute money to the reward fund, contact the Daily Echo on 023 8042 4522.