THE Environment Agency is now investigating how the bodies of four dogs, which were supposed to have been cremated, were found dumped in a field.

In August, the Telegraph reported how the animals – which had all been sent to Peak Pet Cremations, in Heage – were discovered by a walker in Lower Hartshay, near Ripley.

Yesterday, the agency said it was investigating the case and hoped to have compiled its evidence by the end of January. It will then decide whether criminal charges should be brought.

Angela Moore's dog, Sam, was one of those found.

She said she was pleased criminal charges were being considered but would have preferred the Environment Agency, police and Trading Standards officers to investigate together.

Mrs Moore, of Kirk Hallam, said: "I'm glad the Environment Agency is looking into it but it's the police investigation I want to see."

In September, police officers arrested a 34-year-old woman on suspicion of fraud. She was later released on bail.

Police have completed an investigation. A spokeswoman said: "We have not closed the case."

Derbyshire Trading Standards department is also compiling evidence. All three have the power to bring charges if appropriate.

RSPCA workers, who were the first at the scene, identified the animals using microchips. The owners, some of whom had already received ashes they believed to be those of their pet, then had to go through the ordeal of identifying the bodies.

Two of the four dogs, including Sam, had been sent to the crematorium by the Ambivet veterinary clinic in Mundy Street, Heanor.

David Stone, manager of Ambivet, said its relationship with the cremation company had been severed when the incident came to light.

He said: "We feel very distressed by the whole thing. We've visited both the dog owners concerned."

On August 18, Peak Pet Cremations said the animals' bodies had been stolen from its Heage premises. It did not know why ashes had been sent to some owners.

A spokeswoman said the business had not been operating since the incident.