A French Bulldog was dragged to death from the back of a vehicle in Bootle.
RSPCA inspectors revealed the two-year-old female suffered injuries which suggested it had run alongside the vehicle until she was unable to keep up.
A member of the public discovered the helpless animal, who appeared to have recently given birth, in Brasenose Road at around 6.30am on Monday, June 17.
The bulldog’s body had a long piece of wire tired to it with a broken clip on the end which inspectors believe show that she had been attached to a vehicle.
It later emerged that the dog had been microchipped but her details were not up to date.
RSPCA inspector Joanne McDonald attended the scene and has appealed to members of the public for information in identifying the perpetrators.
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.
“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.
“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 is urged to contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.