Dog on mend after cruel act

SHOCKING: This heading dog, now named Lancaster, was picked up by SPCA staff in Carterton with a shock collar embedded in an infected wound it had caused on the animal's neck. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

SPCA staff are looking for the culprit responsible for "horrific" injuries caused to a dog found with a shock collar embedded in its throat.

Wairarapa SPCA inspector Lloyd Warren said calls from members of the public concerned about the animal were received on Monday and the dog was found wandering a Carterton street.

The dog, about 8 months old, was found wearing a shock collar used to train dogs not to bark. It was deeply embedded in the animal's throat, he said.

Two prongs on the collar used to administer a shock when the animal barked had broken the skin and the flesh and skin growing around it had become infected. The signs indicated the dog had been forced to wear it for a significant period, he said.

"I don't know if it was put on the dog when it was a pup and it has grown into the neck or it's just been left on the dog too long. It's quite horrific.

SHOCKING: This heading dog, now named Lancaster, was picked up by SPCA staff in Carterton with a shock collar embedded in an infected wound it had caused on the animal's neck. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

"It has been in a lot of pain ... The batteries had gone flat but you have got to ask why someone has left it on the dog to cause these sorts of injuries ... we'd like to know who is responsible for this act of cruelty."

Taken for immediate treatment, the dog, given the name of Lancaster, has been on antibiotics since and is slowly learning to trust people.

"He was quite timid at first but little by little with attention from staff he's turned into a really nice dog."

Lancaster is on the mend and will be ready for rehoming within a week or so unless his owner comes forward.

Meanwhile, the centre is looking for donations to help to pay for veterinarian treatment. If you can help or know where the dog may have come from please call Mr Warren on (06) 3771912.