RSPCA are searching for the owner of a Queensland dog found in “tremendous” pain after suffering horrific burns to a large part of its head and body.

Covered with blistering red patches from it’s ears to it’s back, the American male Staffordshire Bull Terrier was collected last Tuesday by the Gladstone council, the Gladstone Observer reports.

The dog immediately received veterinary treatment and is now in the care of the Friends of the RSPCA in Gladstone.

media_camera A dog found in Calliope has suffered severe burns. Picture: RSPCA

The RSPCA is calling for assistance to find the owner immediately.

According to the RSPCA if the burns were inflicted on purpose the owner could face a maximum fine of $240,000 or a three year jail sentence for an offence like this.

It is believed the dog’s burns were a week old when the vet initially assessed them.

RSPCA inspector Clare Gordon said the dog was in “tremendous” pain when the council found it.

“We would ask anyone who knows the owner or might know what happened to the dog to come forward,” Ms Gordon said.

“This poor dog was in tremendous pain.”

Anyone with any information can call the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL.

Originally published as Dog in ‘tremendous’ pain after horrific burns