AN appeal has been launched to trace the owners of a badly mistreated dog found in Almondsbury.

The lurcher/greyhound, which may have been stolen, was suffering from a catalogue of injuries including to its ears, which had to be amputated by vets.

Council dog wardens collected the male dog - thought to be no older than three - after being contacted by a resident working in Over Lane who immediately suspected mistreatment.

Its ears were badly torn and shredded and its back leg was very swollen. The animal had also been clumsily shaved, leaving small tufts.

South Gloucestershire Council dog warden Celine Jacobs said: "When the RSPCA cleaned the dog and checked him over they found the ligaments in his back leg were torn. He was covered in puncture wounds and his ears were so badly damaged they had to be amputated.

"He could have been in this state for up to a week.

"If he was a stolen dog it would explain why his coat had been shaved off to get rid of any distinguishing marks and if he had an ear tattoo then the thieves may have tried to cut it out.

"But we don't know what really happened to him which is why we are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward and contact us."

Anyone with any information about the dog should contact Celine Jacobs on 01454 863824 or email celine.jacobs@southglos.gov.uk