Dog found with horrific burns in WA may have been set on fire

The RSPCA is investigating after a dog was found with extensive burns in Geraldton this morning.

Neighbours found the animal on Gertrude Street with burns to its belly, face, legs, and paws, about 6.30am.

It is believed the dog had earlier escaped from his home overnight.

“He was wandering around in horrific pain,” Nat Foster from the RSPCA said.

The dog was taken to a nearby vet, where it remains sedated but in a stable condition, the RSPCA said in a statement.

It is unclear how the dog received the burns, but it is feared it may have been deliberately set on fire.

If a person is convicted of purposefully injuring the dog, they could face up to $50,000 in fines.

Anyone with information that can help piece together events leading up to the dog being injured is urged to call the RSPCA Cruelty Hotline on 1300 CRUELTY (278 3589).