A dog has been found tied to a bench with its tail cut roughly from its body.

The male staffie-cross, nicknamed Stumpy, was found with rope around its neck on the junction of Vale Road and Thames Way, in Northfleet.

Police officers picked up the dog before it was collected by Gravesham Borough Council, which then paid for treatment by the RSPCA.

The crude amputation had left the dog with an infection that needed immediate treatment. Fortunately there was enough tissue to remove the infected areas, saving him from being put down.

KentOnline has seen photographs of the animal's appalling injuries, but has decided not to publish them.

Checks are now being made of CCTV cameras to see if the culprits can be caught after Stumpy was found last Monday.

Gravesham Borough Council leader Cllr John Burden said: "The dog had to have emergency surgery after its tail was docked so close to its body that the leg muscles were affected.

"I have seen photos of the injury – it is terrible, an appalling injury. If we can find out who did it I would want them prosecuted."

A dog-lover himself, Cllr Burden added: "I do not condone docking – some people do.

"You probably would not be able to publish the pictures because they were that distressing. No one should do that to any living creature."

A Kent Police spokesman said: "We would like to speak to anyone who may have any further information regarding how the dog became to be there."

A council spokesman said: "He was picked up by the council’s stray dog service and has been in the care of the council at Viking Oak Kennels in Borough Green ever since.

"He will be transferred to New Hope Animal Rescue, a Northfleet animal charity, in a couple of weeks to ensure he is well before he goes to a new home.

"To make donations towards the care of Stumpy, or any of the other animals that need veterinary care, members of the public can make donations to New Hope’s account at the Shrubbery Veterinary Practice in Perry Street, Northfleet.”

Anyone with information can call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999, the council on 01474 564422 or police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.