The RSPCA has been left "horrified" after a "tortured" dead dog was found with gunshot wounds in Benfleet.

An appeal has been launched as the RSPCA is investigating a "horrific" incident where a dog's body was found in North Benfleet.

The body of the two-year-old black and white female Lurcher was found lying in a pool of blood, in a layby on Harrow Road and Pound Lane.

The dog had gunshot injuries to her head and evidence suggesting she had been tortured before death.

A member of the public took the body to a vet and the incident was reported to the police, as well as to the RSPCA.

At the vets, a harrowing array of injuries were found on her body including her claws ripped off, and two gunshot wounds to the head - resulting in a fractured skull.

It is believed the dog had been shot between her eye and muzzle.

A veterinary examination also found there were multiple scars on the dog’s body and on her front right fore paw two digits of the pads had come off.

She had a massive gash on her front legs and there was also a large, long slice along the top of the dog's tail.

Natalie Bartle, an RSPCA inspector for more than 25 years, has been left "broken" by the incident.

She said: “The suffering this poor dog has been through is just horrific and I would go as far as to say it appears she has been tortured. I cannot believe someone has done this to an innocent animal.

“I have worked for the RSPCA for over 25 years and when I saw what had happened to this poor dog’s body it just broke me - and I am determined to find the person/persons responsible for hurting this dog in such an unimaginable cruel way.

“She had old injuries and the other injuries found on her can not be down to being involved in a road traffic accident.

"The person who shot her also aimed the gun between her eye and muzzle - which would have caused such suffering - my heart breaks to think what this poor girl was put through in her final moments.

“I have been following up a number of lines of enquiry and the dog was microchipped and I have spoken to people who knew the dog - and also had been caring for her before this awful incident happened.

“We are grateful to everyone who has helped with the investigation so far - but I want to hear from anyone who may know what happened to this dog and who is responsible - people cannot be allowed to get away with this cruelty.

“I would urge anyone with information which can help my investigation to call me in confidence on 0300 123 8018 quoting incident - 01326717.”

Last year, the RSPCA received 1,446 reports about cruelty to dogs in Essex, compared to 1,363 in 2022.