A DEAD dog washed up on Shanklin beach yesterday evening (Monday).

The dog, about 20 inches tall and believed to be some kind of cross breed whippet or lurcher, was not microchipped.

It was taken to All Pets at Rest, Newport, who are appealing for the owners to collect the animal.

Owner of Pets at Rest, Sue Hemmings, said she believed the dog had been in the water for several months.

"It is some kind of thin-boned dog — the tail is too long to be a Jack Russell so I think it's likely to be some kind of cross breed.

"It could be a lost dog, or it could be a dog that fell off a boat. Equally, the dog may have died of natural causes and been buried at sea by the owners."

Due to the length of time the dog was in the water, Sue said she was unable to determine an exact age or gender.

The dog will be kept at the crematorium for two weeks in case the owner comes forward. If no one comes forward,the dog will be cremated and its ashes will be scattered.