Animal lovers shared their concerns after two pets were found dead in a canal within two weeks.

A cat was found dead in a box in the River Colne near Tolpits Lane, Watford, on Tuesday, just a fortnight after a puppy was pulled out of the Grand Union Canal at Springwell Lane in Rickmansworth.

It is possible the cat may have died of natural causes but there was sorrow that the puppy might have been drowned among members of Facebook group Lost and Found Animals South Oxhey Watford Bushey Northwood Croxley Rickmansw.

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The blue Staffordshire terrier puppy was found dead in the water on June 15.

Dawn Lewis, who runs the group, took its remains to Chess Vets, Rickmansworth.

Commenters raised concerns over why the puppy was not chipped, one wondered whether it may have been stolen and had its chip removed, something they claim is a common occurrence.

The cat’s remains were found wrapped in a blanket in a box, and the cat was still dry when the box was pulled from the water.

The cat’s body appears to have been taken by a fox or other animal before it could be taken to a vet.

Ms Lewis said the man who first found the black and white cat believes it may have just been sleeping prior to going into the water wrapped in a blanket, box, and carrier bag, but there is no way to verify this.

Many on Facebook were worried about their own animals in reactions to the post.

Another wondered why it could not just be buried if it had died from natural causes rather than left for someone to find down the river.

Other group members were outraged, saying “how could anyone be so cruel”, “I feel sick knowing that some person has this much evil in them”, and saying they were speechless over any possibility that this was a malicious incident.

Dawn Lewis said that Chess Vets reported the dead puppy to the police, however the vet has declined to comment or confirm this.

Police were contacted for information but could not find records of either incident.

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