A REWARD of up to £3,000 is being offered to anyone with information on the person(s) responsible for the sexual abuse and abandonment of a dog in Frome.

PETA, the world's largest animal rights organisation, is making the appeal after the dog, called Bella, was found in a terrible state on Queen's Road by Cornpop Critter Rescue.

Bella, previously known as Zena, had suffered a severe prolapse and it is believed she was abandoned three days before being found - leaving her extremely weak.

Vets believe that her prolapse was caused by blunt force trauma. Because of her injuries, she was unable to go to the toilet and suffered immense pain.

Vets operated on Bella, despite her weak heart, to try and give her the best chance at recovery. They have confirmed that she was sexually abused by a human.

The reward will be given for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.

PETA vice president Mimi Bekhechi said: “It’s imperative that any community faced with cruel and callous acts such as these take measures to find the culprit and bring them to justice.

“Animal abusers are a danger to everyone: they take their issues out on whomever is available to them – humans or other animals – and must be caught before they act again.”

Speaking when Bella was discovered, Cornpop Critter Rescue spokesperson said: "She has been suffering unable to go to the toilet and in the most unimaginable pain anyone can think of.

"She was practically left to perish.

"Secondly, she has a very weak heart so may not make it through the operation today but we have no choice but to put her through it to try repair the damage.

"Lastly the part that no one wants to hear... The vets have confirmed it is sexual abuse by a human.

"I don't know what more to say.

"I have been saying for a long time Frome is getting worse with the animal issues and now this. If you've done this and you're reading this, we're coming for you."

To report any first-hand information you may have, call the RSPCA'S appeals line on 0300 123 8018 and quote incident number 01224116.