An investigation has been launched after a dog was drowned in the River Garnock

It is understood that the dog had a large rock tied round its neck, was put inside a carrier bag and then thrown into the water.

The dog's body was later discovered by a horrified resident.

It has been reported that the small terrier type dog was female and wearing a pink diamante collar.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We can confirm police received a call at around 5pm on Thursday, February 8 after a member of the public discovered a dead dog at the River Garnock.

"This has now been passed to the Scottish SPCA who are dealing with this."

Scottish SPCA Inspector McIntyre said: “We have been alerted to an incident in Kilwinning regarding a dead dog.

"Our enquiries are currently on-going.”  

Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999.