Eight-week-old Jack Russell puppy put down after being 'kicked like a football'
An eight-week-old puppy was left with devastating injuries after he was "kicked like a football", RSPCA inspectors in England have said.
The Jack Russell terrier was handed in anonymously at a vets in Braintree, Essex, on Monday and his injuries were so severe he had to be put down.
Vets found the little dog had suffered a broken jaw, broken ribs and internal bleeding as well as bleeding from the nose.
RSPCA inspector Caroline Richardson, who is now investigating, said: "It's just such a sad story. This poor little puppy must have been in so much pain.
"Vets believe the puppy suffered these horrific injuries being kicked like a football.
"It's just unthinkable that someone could have kicked him so hard that they've not only broken his jaw and ribs but also caused internal bleeding.
"It's utterly despicable to treat any animal this way, let alone a vulnerable and defenceless eight-week-old puppy."
The black and white dog's injuries were so serious that the vet decided to put him to sleep to end his suffering.
The RSPCA was initially contacted anonymously by someone who asked the charity to collect the pup but then received another message saying a third-party would be collecting the dog and taking him to the vet.
Two women dropped him off at the vets anonymously.
RSPCA inspectors want to speak to anyone who knows what may have happened to the puppy before he died.
"We believe the puppy has come from a large traveller development in the Braintree area and I'd be keen to hear from anyone who recognises this pup or may know who he belonged to," inspector Richardson added.
The RSPCA also wants to speak to anyone who bought a Jack Russell terrier puppy in the area in recent weeks in case they can provide details about the litter and breeder.
