A Staffie Dog found in horrific condition is believed to have been cooked alive over a low burning fire right beside The Curragh Racecourse this week.

Kildare West Wicklow SPCA (KWWSPCA) were called to the scene on Monday by a jockey who spotted the little dog. Volunteer Laura Mullally said it was one of the worst cases of animal torture she had ever seen.

“We could see he was in dreadful condition so we wrapped him up in towels and put him in a soft carrier and inside my jacket,” she said. “He was ice cold, I mean he was rigid and his head was shaking, his eyes were rolling.”

The dog was covered in soot from the fire and when they cleaned him up there were marks on his paws and neck from a rope that had been used to tie him up and hang him over the fire.

The local vet said the Staffie’s organs had cooked slowly over time and failed. His facial ticks and spasms were the result of neurological damage to his brain from the heat of the fire.

“He didn’t stand any hope of recovery,” Mullally said. She believes the young dog had been subjected to long-term abuse as he was “skin and bone” and had been eating dirt to stay alive.

Sadly, the little Staffie passed away today, despite the veterinary team doing everything they could to save him. At the end, all they could do was make him comfortable.

“They just kept him warm in heated blankets and cuddled him and reassured him.”

He was still trying to lick you hand – that’s the awful sad part, he’d forgive you, you know, it’s just very sad.

Mullally said the incident has been reported to gardaí. She also urged dogowners to ensure they don’t let their pets wander around outside alone.

“Take care of your animal – don’t leave it out where these kinds of people can pick it up and mistreat it.”

Editor's Note: This incident took place less than 5 miles from where I live and where we take our dogs for walkies (the Curragh). Please donate to the KWWSPCA to help them continue their selfless work ...