The case of two puppies that were bashed, wrapped in wire and left for dead on the side of a road has outraged animal activist groups in Gladstone.
The great dane and wolfhound cross puppies, aged about four months, were found bruised and beaten after crawling out of an embankment along Gladstone-Monto Rd in Calliope at 12.20pm on Sunday.
A group of passers-by brought the dogs to Gladstone Vet Clinic where they were treated for cuts to their head and malnourishment.
Vet Amy Graham said the severity of the injuries on both dogs indicated they had been left untreated for more than a few days.
"One of the puppies will end up with permanent nerve damage to its left front legs," Dr Graham said.
"Certainly both will survive...but given the amount of infection one dog has, treatment usually takes at least a couple of days".
The dogs, who have been nicknamed Major and Sergeant, sustained large open wounds to their heads and legs after they were allegedly tied up with cord and beaten with a sharp object.
Police said they were in the process of launching an investigation into the incident.
"Hopefully when people hear this story they will contact us," Sergeant Kevin Whicker said.
After being brought to the clinic, the dogs were in a visible state of distress.
They were found to be dehydrated, flea-infested and had maggots in their wounds.
Friends of the RSPCA president Judy Whicker said the culprits should be jailed for their actions.
"People like this don't have a conscience. It certainly worries me if they can treat animals like this, what they would do with pets, what they would do with children and what they will do to other people," Mrs Whicker said.
"Really this is a criminal offence; the courts should be jailing people for animal cruelty."
Sgt Whicker urged people with information to contact police.
