Dog found dead, mutilated on NSW coast

A young dog has been killed, mutilated then dumped on the NSW far north coast.

Rangers found the kelpie or cattle dog cross in grassland early on Friday and veterinarians estimate it had been dead for up to 48 hours.

Regional inspector Alistair Hills said the dog did not die of natural causes, before being mutilated and left in swampland in an area where people often dump rubbish.

He said what had been done to the animal was "disgusting" but there was no evidence it had been tortured while alive.

The RSPCA is appealing to the public for information about the dog, which was not microchipped or wearing a collar.

The medium-sized dog was sandy-coloured, approximately 50cm tall with some white on his belly and black fur under his jaw.

He didn't have any fur patterns on his neck, suggesting he wore a chain or collar regularly, the RSPCA said