AN investigation is underway after a dog was found abandoned with severe injuries which are believed to be the result of dogfighting.

The English Bull Terrier was found abandoned over a 6ft wall in Botley by a resident who at first thought it had been involved in a road accident.

However, after an examination by a vet the animal was found to have deep puncture wounds caused by bites. She was underweight and very dirty.

She was sedated after clipping away her fur deep bite marks to each armpit were found along with dozens of other smaller bite and scratch marks down her front legs, which were both very swollen.

RSPCA Inspector Patrick Bailey who first collected the five year old dog said she was in so much pain that she could not walk.

The dog, who has been named Matilda, is now recovering at the RSPCA Stubbington Ark Animal Shelter.

Inspector Bailey said: “This poor little dog would have been in so much pain - she just could not move due to her injuries.

“We can only imagine what she has been through and may never fully know what she had to endure.

“We need to hear from anyone who has any information about where Matilda came from - if they know who her owner is or if they saw something suspicious in the area.”

Matilda was wearing a dirty blue nylon collar with a black plastic clip.

Anyone with information about the dog who was found on Friday February 14 behind a wall at Crows Nest Lane in Botley is urged to contact the RSPCA information line on 0300 123 8018.