A poor dog fled war-torn Ukraine for a better life in the UK, only to be battered with a shovel and left for dead in a lay-by.
The German Shepherd – called Bandit – suffered a fractured skull.
The injury was so severe, his brain was exposed.
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Bandit was found by dog wardens in Ridham Dock Road, in Iwade, near Sittingbourne, Kent.
He was rushed to the vet and was given surgery on his head injury.
The dog is now expected to make a full recovery.
He has a microchip issued in Ukraine in 2022, making him about three years old.
It’s possible Bandit was brought to the UK by someone fleeing the war.
Angels 4 Dogs is now nursing him back to health and wants to find him a new home
The animal charity has been swamped by donations.
Dog lovers bought him food, treats and toys from Amazon.
Yasmine Moss, who runs the Angels 4 Dogs said: “They’ve said it’s the first few days after surgery that are the hardest as he could have a bleed on the brain in this time.
“But he’s been in good spirits wagging his tail and eating well.”
Bandit was found last Wednesday (12 Mar), as reported on Need To Know.
Yasmine added: “Bandit was driven to a remote area in Kent.
“And smashed in the head with what the vet thinks would have been a shovel in the hopes he would die.
“When he was found he was curled up and just about clinging to life.
“I cannot imagine his love and trust being abused so callously and violently.
“Bandit was always meant to be found.
“To know that this world isn’t made up of all these awful things.
“Investigations have shown he has an unregistered Ukrainian chip sold in 2022.
“Which does mean he likely came over from Ukraine to the UK possibly with someone fleeing war there.”
Kent Police has been approached for comment.
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