A DOG from Faringdon had to be rescued after it was found with its muzzle bound shut with tape.

The animal was taken to a rescue centre where a vet reportedly had to anaesthetise it before cutting the tape off as it was in so much pain.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has appealed for anyone who knows the identity of its owners to come forward.

Charity Animal Rights UK posted photos of the dog, thought to be a greyhound cross, on Facebook after it was found by passers-by in the town on Saturday.

They are believed to have reported it to the RSPCA, which sent officers to rescue it.

RSPCA spokeswoman Katya Mira said: "This is an incident we are investigating.

"If there are ongoing investigations we cannot make much comment in case we prejudice things."

More than 8,000 people shared the post by Animal Rights UK on Facebook and many people on the social network have hit out at the treatment of the dog.

Deanne Di-Franco said: "I really feel extremely saddened by the constant stories of what sick, twisted humans do to poor animals.

Another Facebook user, Janet Wilkes, said: "Nothing surprises me any more.

"It beggars belief that a human being can do something so cruel and still sleep at night."

The RSPCA was unable to confirm where the dog was being cared for but urged anyone with information to contact the organisation on 0300 1234 999.

Animal Rights UK failed to respond to requests for comment.