An adorable pup has suffered horrific injuries after being deliberately covered in red hot boiling tar.
Distressing pictures show the the sticky black substance matted into the dog’s fur, which in some spots has fallen out leaving horrendous burns.
The tar is thought to have been taken from a nearby building site by cruel thugs who threw it over the helpless pooch.
The material stuck to the poor dog – preventing him from being able to walk, as well as causing him extreme pain.
The tar also created toxic fumes which he has breathed in and caused damage to his lungs, and he has also sadly been diagnosed with pneumonia.
In addition to the devastating injuries resulting from the boiling tar the canine is also suffering from malnutrition, leading vets to believe he was a stray.
The dog, which appears to be mixed breed, was discovered in Romania last month and is currently being looked after at a clinic there.
He is being bathed with special lubricants to remove the sticky tar without damaging his skin any further and continues to be treated for pneumonia.
The clinicians in Romania have sought out the help of Mayflower Animal Sanctuary in Doncaster, South Yorks., to help find the pooch its forever home.
They are trying to raise money to pay for the animal’s medical care and his transportation between the continent and the UK, where it is hoped he will move once he is healthy enough.
A Mayflower spokesman said: “Boiling tar has been deliberately thrown at this puppy, we believe acquired from nearby building sites.
“The tar has stuck to his fur and skin and caused extreme pain and the inability to move.
“The boiling tar has created toxic fumes which he has breathed in and affected his tiny lungs. Similar to smoke inhalation, he has required treatment for pneumonia.”
The spokesman added: “His treatment has started and he is responding well.
“We believe he will pull through and this sweet boy is still wagging his tail, despite the pain and the horrific cruelty he has endured.”
Mayflower Animal Sanctuary has already raised more than £3,000 for the pooch.
They intend to use the money to have him transferred between Romania and UK when he is fit and healthy enough.
It is hoped the pup will be in his UK forever home by the end of the month.