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Shocking CCTV of the moment a thug kicked a dog in the face has been released by RSPCA inspectors.

The man is believed to have kicked the mastiff or boxer-cross type dog ‘multiple times’ in the face before roughly grabbing it around the mouth.

CCTV footage of the man and dog has now been released by the RSPCA as an investigation gets underway.

Neighbours are understood to have heard its terrified yelps and found the distressing footage after they checked their personal CCTV cameras later.

The dog has a red harness on and the incident was captured on Tuesday, November 18 near to Watermead Works on Slater Lane, Bolton, at around 4.30pm.

The distressing video shows the man kicking out at the dog, and appearing to drag it along by its collar.

RSPCA inspector Charlotte Melvin said: “We want to trace the man and dog in the CCTV. The man appears to kick the dog multiple times in the face and then grab the dog around the mouth and hold it.

“We don’t know who this man is, and presume the dog is still in his care.

“If you have any specific information about this person then please call the RSPCA’s inspector appeal line.”

The RSPCA said the dog’s ‘reaction’ to the attack was heard by people in a nearby building. They checked their CCTV cameras and later contacted the RSPCA.

The footage has been handed over to the charity.

Inspector Melvin said the RSPCA was ‘very worried’ about the dog’s current condition and care - and extremely concerned about what could be happening ‘behind closed doors’.

She said: “The man appears to be wearing a dark jacket with a hood and blue jeans and to have short, light brown hair. The dog appears to be brindle, with white feet.

“Naturally we are worried about the dog’s welfare at this time. If he is doing something like this in a public place I’m very concerned about what could be happening behind closed doors.

“If you know who this person is, please call us. If you recognise it as you, we’d like to hear from you.”

Latest official figures show RSPCA inspectors now investigate more than 150,000 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect every year.

Anyone with information can call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 and leave a voicemail for Inspector Charlotte Melvin.