A DOG found on the Herefordshire border with horrific injuries believed to be from badger baiting in on the mend, the RSPCA has said.

While Fig, a Patterdale Terrier-type dog, might still be missing a full pout, he is recovering from severe facial injuries which were some of the worst an RSPCA inspector had seen in 20 years.

An information appeal was launched by the RSPCA after he wandered into a yard at Painscastle, near Hay-on-Wye, covered in mud, extremely thirsty and with severe injuries to his face and mouth.

The animal charity was called after the dog was taken to a vet in Hay-on-Wye by a member of the public on October 14, but inspectors still don't know what happened to him.

It's believed the injuries could be from badger baiting, which is where a dog is sent into a sett to flush out the badger and attack it for the handler to then dig the badger out and kill it or take it away for it to be killed at a later date.

Inspector Keith Hogben said Fig's injuries were "one of the worst" he had seen in more than 20 years at the charity.

Mr Hogben said: "We've received a few calls about this incident and would like to thank those who got in touch. However, we've sadly not been able to find out what happened to him and where he came from.

"Fig is such a lovely dog and we hope once he is fully recovered he'll find a forever home."

Ledbury Reporter:

The dog, who's been described as happy and loving, has been recovering well.

RSCPA senior clinician at Merthyr Tydfil Veterinary Clinic Jonathan Fitzmaurice, who has been treating Fig, said he'd been using pain relief on Fig for his wounds and antibiotics for the short term as luckily he hasn't developed any major infection.

He said: "He's been healing well, as luckily only has soft tissue damage. His skin is missing from the corner of his jaw underneath forwards and his lips missing from the corners of his mouth forwards as well.

"He'll develop scar tissue but never be able to replace the lips. However, he's bright and happy and eating well - although some food does spill out due to a lack of lower lips. This will be permanent but he doesn't seem to mind at all.

Fig is next due to have a procedure to remove the exposed canine tooth and possibly to have some skin graft done.

It's hoped that he'll be made available for rehoming in the near future.