A dog was discovered in Wilsden with her throat slashed and suspected stab wounds under her front legs only days after being re-homed, the RSPCA said.

Officers have started an investigation into how the Doberman called Kenya suffered the “shocking” injuries after being discovered in Back Lane.

Her throat had been cut from ear to ear and she had puncture wounds, which the RSPCA said were deliberate.

The passer-by who found her took her to a vet and called the RSPCA.

An RSPCA spokesman said Kenya had been re-homed to a man who called himself Jeff a few days before she was found and officers are seeking him.

RSPCA Inspector Lyndsey Taylor said: “Kenya was in a shocking state when she was found.”

Kenya was microchipped which lead the RSPCA to her former owners in Lower Grange, Bradford.

They re-homed her on Thursday, December 9, after illness meant they could not look after her. Kenya was found with injuries on December 14.

The RSPCA said: “Kenya’s owners would see this man every morning whilst walking Kenya in Lady Hill Park, Allerton. They’d chat whilst their dogs played together,” said inspector Taylor.

Jeff is about 45, white, about 5ft 10ins, of normal build with short wavy light brown hair. He always wore a hip-length, zip-up, bright blue rain-proof jacket with multi-pockets and dark blue corduroy patches on the elbows. In summer he wore white Nike trainers or Airway shoes.

In winter, he wore green boots with buckles and a burgundy baseball cap.

Jeff’s dog is described as a long-haired black and white collie-type. It is thought she was female and called Betsie or Best but he used to call her B. She wore a silver choker and a silver chain lead with a black leather handle.

The last time Kenya’s former owners saw her she had her silver choker on and black extendible flexible lead.

Insp Taylor said: “We’d really love to hear from Jeff.”

Anyone with information should call the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 and ask for Insp Taylor.