RSPCA inspectors are investigating possible badger baiting in West Cumbria after a terrier was found with severe injuries.

The black and tan female animal was found in the Flimby area with injuries consistent with having been used for badger baiting.

RSPCA inspector Chris Towler said the injuries were some of the worst he'd seen in a dog in more than 30 years in his role.

He added: "She had significant lower jaw injuries where the skin has been ripped away and multiple bite wounds to the front half of her body.

"She had a swollen front right paw with the nail missing.

"All of this is consistent, in our experience, with her having been used for badger baiting."

The dog - thought to be around five years old - was taken to a vet where she was given immediate treatment.

She has since had surgery on her injured jaw.

She has been named Winnie, as she is having to have her injury cleaned and packed daily with honey.

Insp Towler said: "She is doing well and is being allowed to leave the vets today to one of our private boarding establishments but there is a very long road ahead.

"The daily cleaning and packing of her jaw injury will continue. In my thirty-plus years as an RSPCA inspector these are some of the worst injuries I’ve seen on a dog."

It’s thought the injuries may have happened on Friday, September 14 or Saturday, September 15. She was found on Sunday, September 16.

Winnie has a visible ulcer on her left eye. Though she is microchipped, the chip isn’t registered so the RSPCA has not been able to trace her owner.

Inspector Towler said: "Irrespective of how the injuries were caused, clearly this dog has suffered enormously and the fact that she was found straying leads me to think that she has been allowed to do so rather than her owner seek vet treatment, which only adds to my suspicion that she was involved in illegal activities."

Anyone who recognises Winnie, knows who her owner is, or has any specific information that might help the RSPCA find out what happened to her is urged to call the charity's appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and ask to leave a message for Insp Towler.

To help the RSPCA continue to help dogs like Winnie, donate at www.rspca.org.uk/give