A probe has been launched after a dog was killed and set alight in what's been described as a "shock and senseless" act of cruelty.
The female dog, thought to be a crossbreed/bull-type, was discovered badly beaten and burnt in woodland at Bidston Hill in Wirral, Merseyside.
RSPCA officers, who are leading the investigation, also say there were signs the eight-year-old dog had been dragged - either by others or by pulling herself - for several metres after she was attacked.
X-rays of the poor creature's body showed both her legs had been "cleanly broken" while her ribs and intestines were exposed with efforts made to cut away parts of her flesh.
It's thought the "clear visible blows" had been attempts to remove the dog's microchip, which was thankfully still intact and has helped vets determine her age.
Vets however say they cannot tell for certain whether she was already dead when her body was set on fire, Liverpool ECHO reports.
RSPCA inspector Leanne Cooper, who is investigating the incident, said: "This is a shocking and senseless act of cruelty.
"The images of this poor dog are very difficult and distressing to look at.
"Someone out there knows what happened to her and we would urge anyone with first-hand information to contact us as a matter of urgency.
"She was microchipped, and I am following lines of enquiry in relation to that, but we’d appeal to people who have additional information that could help this investigation to contact us straight away."
The RSPCA thanked Pawprints Wildlife Rescue and Tam O'Shanter Urban Farm for their help and assistance with the investigation, as well as the member of the public who found the dog and raised the alarm.
