The dog was tied up outside a Northern Ireland Tesco store. Pic Tesco Springhill Community group

Robin Ballantine who's dog Cole had part of his ear cut off outside Tesco in Bangor. Pic by Peter Morrison

A charity group has made an appeal for information after it said a dog, tied up outside a Northern Ireland supermarket, had "its ear cut off".

The Tesco Springhill store's community group said the incident happened on Friday, September 21 sometime between 5.30pm and 8pm at the Bangor store.

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Staff at the store held a collection for him donating dog treats and cash for help with vet bills.

The dog was tied up with other dogs. When its owner returned it appeared to have part of its ear cut off.

"Someone took it upon themselves to cut his ear off," said a post by the group on Facebook.

"He was tied up in the downstairs car park. We are just looking for any customers that may have noticed anyone approaching the dog."

The group said a vet believed, given how straight the cut was, it must have been done by a blade or scissors and not another animal.

There was an outpouring of shock as news of the incident spread.

The group said the dog was a "nervous wreck" after the incident.

"He did enjoy his treats but is very unsure of people and he has every right under the circumstances.

"But he's doing ok."

It's hoped CCTV in the area may have caught the incident on camera.

Police said the incident was reported to them.

Belfast Telegraph