It happened in Lulberry Gardens in Bulwell and the RSPCA has branded it an "horrific act of cruelty" and is appealing for information.

A member of the public called police after seeing what they described as a bundle of fur being thrown from a parked truck.

It turned out to be a cream-coloured Pekinese bitch and vets discovered it had a broken back.

The injury was thought to have happened several days before it was slung from the vehicle last Friday.

RSPCA inspectors are trying to trace the owner of a white pick-up truck seen near the water supply taps on Mulberry Gardens.

They warn whoever is responsible could face six months in jail or a �5,000 fine.