The male bull terrier-type dog was found in a lay-by close to New Deer
The death of a dog in Aberdeenshire may be linked to a dog-fighting ring, the Scottish SPCA has said.
The male bull terrier-type dog was found by a member of the public in a lay-by close to New Deer.
The Scottish SPCA said the dog had been killed by a "blunt trauma", possibly to hide evidence.
Ch Supt Mike Flynn, from the charity, said: "We believe a serious and organised dog-fighting ring is operating in north Aberdeenshire."
He added: "The information we have suggests this dog may have been used for fighting and it may be it was dumped in an attempt to hide the evidence.
"This is a serious case of cruelty and we are keen to find the person responsible for this dog's extremely painful and violent death.
"He was light brown with a white chest and did not have a collar or microchip."
Anyone with information can call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline, external on 03000 999 999.
