THE RSPCA has launched an investigation after a puppy was 'kicked like a football'.

An eight-week-old Jack Russell was handed to a vet with catastrophic injuries including a broken jaw, broken ribs and internal bleeding.

The pup was handed in anonymously at a veterinary surgery in Braintree on Monday, October 24.

Inspector Caroline Richardson, who is now investigating, said: “It’s just such a sad story. This poor little puppy must have been in so much pain.

“Vets believe the puppy suffered these horrific injuries being kicked like a football.

"It’s just unthinkable that someone could have kicked him so hard that they’ve not only broken his jaw and ribs but also caused internal bleeding.

“It’s utterly despicable to treat any animal this way, let alone a vulnerable and defenceless eight-week-old puppy.”

The black and white dog’s injuries were so serious that the vet decided to put him down to end his suffering.

The RSPCA was initially contacted anonymously from someone who asked the charity to collect the pup.

However two women dropped him off at the vets and the animal welfare charity would now like to speak to anyone who knows what may have happened to this little pup before he died.

Inspector Richardson said: "We believe the puppy has come from a large traveller development in the Braintree area and I’d be keen to hear from anyone who recognises this pup or may know who he belonged to.

“We’d also like to hear from anyone who has purchased a Jack Russell terrier puppy in the area over recent weeks in case they can provide us with any useful information about the litter and breeder."

Anyone with information can contact 0300 123 8018.