A dog has been found hanging from a tree in Tallaght, Dublin.
Park Rangers in Tymon Park found the dead animal after being notified by a member of the public.
A second dog, which was alive and tied to the same tree, was released by a passer-by.
Inspectors from the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have taken the body of the dog to its shelter in Rathfarnham for veterinary examinations and an investigation is under way.
The DSPCA says it suspects the dog was being used for illegal 'lamping', where dogs are used to catch rabbits for sport.
Inspectors believe the dog may not have been 'performing well', or was injured, and was being disposed of.
The DSPCA says 'lamping' is taking place illegally in many parks across the city.
It involves people of all ages, and large sums of money are believed to exchange hands.
