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A dog was tied to the back of a vehicle and dragged to an agonising death, says the RSPCA.

Inspectors from the animal charity are appealing for information after the body of a female French Bulldog was found in Brasenose Road, Bootle , on Monday June 17.

Injuries on the helpless animal, which appeared to have recently given birth, suggested she ran alongside the vehicle until she was no longer able to keep up.

A horrified member of the public found the dog's body tied to a long piece of wire at around 6.30am, and contacted the RSPCA with suspicions about the manner of her death .

RSPCA inspector Joanne McDonald attended the scene and found the dog, aged around two, with the wire still attached to her collar and a broken clip on the other end, which she believes had been attached to a vehicle.

(Image: RSPCA)

Inspector McDonald said it appeared horrendous injuries on the dog were consistent with her being dragged along the street.

She said: "I believe someone has tied the dog to a vehicle and then drove along dragging this poor pet to her death. There is skin missing on her feet and it looks as though she has run along to try and keep up with the moving vehicle until she was no longer able to.

"There are also wounds on her body which must have happened when she was unable to keep on her feet. The collar is also up on her head suggesting she has been pulled along.

"This is a most barbaric and cruel act - this poor young dog must have been terrified and suffered horrendously during this horrific incident."

(Image: RSPCA)

“I really want to find who did this and am hoping the public may be able to help provide me with the information I need."

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The dog was microchipped however the details were not up to date.

Inspector McDonald is now hoping someone may have seen the incident take place and will be able to identify who carried out the attack or may know who owned the dog.

She said: "I am appealing for anyone who may have seen this incident take place to come forward as they may have vital information which could identify who did this.

(Image: RSPCA)

"I am also keen to identify the dog’s owner and am hoping someone will recognise the dog and be able to provide me with this information."

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.