A dog found with horrific facial injuries had probably been used for badger baiting, the RSPCA has said.

The RSCPA revealed the details of the incident in Higher Whitley alongside figures of animal cruelty calls made during 2017.

The report revealed that 1,575 calls were made to the RSPCA regarding cruelty to dogs in Cheshire.

Herbie, a brindle and white lurcher type dog, needed reconstructive surgery on his jaw after being found wandering around a garden.

Despite an appeal, the people responsible have not been found.

Inspector Lisa Lupson, who investigated the case, said: “The poor dog had injuries around his lower jaw which had left part of his skin hanging off. It was clear he was suffering from considerable injuries.

“His face was also scarred. Sadly, he had most likely been used for badger baiting.”

Herbie needed surgery because his bottom jaw had been completely shredded and his lip was hanging down.

He has now been successfully rehomed to a couple in Manchester.

Anne, one of Herbie’s new owners, said: “We had never thought of having a lurcher before but David saw him on the RSPCA Macclesfield website and said, ‘look at this old boy’.

“We went to see him and it was love at first sight. He’s not the most handsome of dogs but he is gorgeous to us, he is so good-natured and affectionate, even after everything he went through.”

Inspector Lupson added: “Herbie is a lovely and very friendly dog who has been through an awful lot. It is so nice to know that he has found a new loving home and he can finally have the sort of life he deserves.”