MYSTERY surrounds the grisly discovery of the bodies of mutilated dogs in the Steep Marsh area, near Petersfield.

Horrified walkers discovered the decomposed and headless remains of the animals on farmland, on people's property and even beside the road leading to the village.

But police say no one has reported missing dogs and it is even unclear how many dogs are involved.

Petersfield police inspector Steve Sargent said he believed that there were only two dogs, but an RSPCA spokesman said there could be as many as six.

For the RSPCA, Lucy Clark told The Herald the killings were a mystery.

"The only legitimate reason that there could be for these incidents is if a farmer shot them because they were worrying livestock.

"Farmers have the power to shoot dogs at any time if they are worrying livestock but the bodies must be retained and the police must be contacted.

"We do not believe this is what happened to many of the dogs. It may have been a more sinister act."

Insp Sargent told The Herald the dogs had been buried some time ago and later unearthed, probably by foxes. But it had been difficult to estimate the number of animals involved as dismembered parts had been discovered in several places.

He added that there had been a problem with poachers in the Steep Marsh area.

"Enquiries with a local farmer revealed that there had been a series of problems with poachers on the land over recent months and the farmer has chased them away on several occasions.

"About two months ago the farmer again discovered two men and two dogs poaching at night with lamps."

"The men ran away, leaving the dogs still chasing animals on the land, so he shot them. Inspection of the carcasses suggested that they had died instantly."

Insp Sargent said the police were in no position to take any further action in the case.

"In some cases farmers have authority to shoot troublesome dogs which are loose on their land. It is, of course, a last resort and we would always advise farmers to ask for help before taking such action, except in the most urgent circumstances."

Staff at the Canine Partners for Independence centre based at Steep Marsh are also concerned about the mystery.

CPI central services manager Cliff Lane said he was "shocked and horrified" by the news.

He said: 'The thought that someone would go out and harm a dog like that is extremely disturbing.

"We will definitely be keeping a close eye on all our dogs and I will be informing all our staff, most of whom own dogs, and urging them to be extra vigilant."

Anyone with any information should contact Petersfield police on 0845 045 45 45 or ring the RSPCA's confidential animal cruelty and advice line on 08705 555999.