AN MP has spoken out after a small dog was found buried alive in woods, with a nail sticking out from between its eyes.

The grim discovery was made by walkers in Kirkleatham Woods in Redcar, east Cleveland, about midday on Wednesday.

The little dog had to be put to sleep by vets later to end his "immense suffering".

Walkers heard whimpering in the woods before discovering a mound of earth - and uncovered the dog, who was still alive and had the nail through his head.

The couple called the police immediately, before rushing the dog to a nearby vets, who were left with no choice but to put the dog to sleep.

Redcar MP Anna Turley, who is campaigning for tougher sentences for those convicted of animal cruelty, said: "This abhorrent act of cruelty is sickening.

"That someone would even consider, let alone inflict, such brutality on a defenceless animal is beyond belief.

""I hope the perpetrators of this crime are caught and receive the punishment they deserve."

The RSPCA was notified and is now appealing for information.

RSPCA inspector Nick Jones said: “In all my ten years working for the RSPCA, I have never known anything so horrifying and inexplicably cruel.

“This is clearly a very deliberate act of cruelty and it’s inconceivable to think why somebody has done it to this poor little dog. It’s likely more than one person was involved in this act of horrific cruelty due to the force needed to inflict such an attack.

“He is a white entire male, scruffy-looking terrier type with a curly coat, possibly a Jack Russell or West Highland Terrier crossbreed, and aged around seven years old.

“I am urging anybody with any information no matter how small or who recognises this dog, to come forward and leave me a message in complete confidence on our inspector’s appeal line by calling 0300 123 8018.”