A DOG believed to have been used for badger baiting which was found infested with maggots on Walney has been put to sleep.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after a terrier type dog was found with severe maggot-infested injuries.

The dog was spotted on the beach at Walney, just north of South End Caravan Park, on Saturday 8 October at around 2pm.

He was rushed straight to a vets but his condition was causing so much suffering the decision was taken to put him to sleep.

RSPCA inspector Will Lamping said: “This poor dog was in a shocking state.

“He was dehydrated and had extensive tearing and puncture wounds around his face. The muzzle had been torn upwards away from the dog’s skull and there were maggots present in his airways.

“From the size of the maggots the vet believes the injuries were 1-4 days old.”

The dog is described as an entire (un-neutered) male, black and tan in colour with a short coat. He wasn’t wearing a collar and ID tag or microchipped, as is required by law.

RSPCA inspector Lamping said: “Obviously we can't rule out non-criminal activities but at the moment I am investigating this as a potential badger baiting offence given the nature of the injuries, breed of dog and that there are badgers in the area the dog was found.

“The puncture wounds and tearing on his face suggests that it was only his head that was available to the other animal, indicating that he was down a sett at the time.

“I want to hear from anyone who recognises this dog and can tell me who his owner is, or who saw anything suspicious in the area, likely to be at night, in the four days before the 8 October, particularly groups of people with spades or terriers or bull lurcher type dogs.”

Anyone with any information should call the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and ask to leave a message for Inspector Lamping.