A CROSS-BRED Staffordshire bull terrier was left for dead on a lonely country track after being horrifically beaten.

The unconscious and battered dog, called Harry, was minutes away from death when he was discovered, wrapped in an old quilt, by a walker on the Thornley to Ludworth pathway, in County Durham.

The walker took Harry to the White Lion Veterinary Surgery, in South Hetton, where he underwent immediate surgery.

Kay Dixon, a nurse at the practice, last night revealed the injuries that had nearly killed him.

She said: "His leg was broken, he had two deep gashes in the groin area and he had severe head injuries."

Because Harry lost many of his teeth during the beating, staff have been unable to tell how old he is.

Ms Dixon said it was believed the dog had probably suffered the broken leg and groin injuries a week earlier. With the injuries left unattended it is believed someone had tried to "finish him off'' by hitting him over the head.

The incident was reported to the RSPCA and yesterday, Inspector Ian Jackson said the charity was hoping it could trace the dog's owners.

He said: "Sadly if we don't, he will have to be treated as a stray and that will give us just seven days to find him a home or have him put to sleep.''

Anyone who can help identify Harry's owners is asked to call the RSPCA on 08705 555999.