The London Humane Society is investigating the discovery of a small animal that was skinned, beheaded, and left in a parking lot.
The animal, believed to be a small dog, was found in the Beer Store parking lot on Adelaide St. on December 16.
"It's incredibly disturbing. It's disturbing on a couple of levels," said Judy Foster, executive director of the humane society. "It's disturbing that it's happening. It's disturbing because we don't know if the animal was alive when this happened or if the animal was dead. Are other people involved and why are they doing this?"
Foster said the animal also had puncture wounds and was cleaned before it was left.
Veterinarians are examining the animal's remains, but it is unlikely they will be able to pinpoint when it was killed.
"We are putting an appeal out to see if anyone is aware of who is responsible for this," said Foster. "In the meantime we are really hoping we start to see the end of these types of cases because this isn't the first one in the last 12 months."
In the summer, a mutilated cat as found in in Springbank Park, a beheaded bunny was discovered on a Western University walking trail, and a goose was stabbed and left on the door step of the humane society. In February, two skinned and beheaded coyotes were discovered in east London.
"As these cases increase we become increasingly concerned for animals that we are sharing life within the city. It is really important that we find out who is responsible and see this stop," said Foster.