4:09pm UK, Thursday July 16, 2009
An eight-week-old puppy was left in "unspeakable agony" after his ears and tail were cut off with scissors, a rescue worker has said.
He was taken to a vet for treatment to his wounds and is now being cared for by staff at the Lost Dog's Home in North Melbourne.
Shelter manager Sue Conroy said it was one of the worst cases of animal cruelty she had seen in 23 years at the centre.
"I've had staff crying," she told The Moonee Valley Leader.
"He would have been in unspeakable agony."
Ms Conroy said staff had treated his wounds with ointments and administered pain relief and antibiotics.
She said the puppy "was not ready to be adopted just yet".
Ms Conroy added: "Physically, he's improving slightly every day.
"His hearing will not be perfect, but he's not deaf.
"But mentally, he's is still traumatised and is hiding from people."