A stolen dog was found by Gore SPCA staff mauled and fighting for her life.
Polly, a medium-sized Staffordshire-cross, was stolen from the SPCA kennels on Saturday night or Sunday morning, Gore SPCA manager inspector Tanya Rowling said.
Staff found the dog on Monday morning ''covered in bite wounds and quite severely mauled''.
The incident had shocked staff.
Ms Rowling did not want to speculate on what might have happened to Polly, but others on social media believed it was related to dog fighting.
''We have had numerous calls about dogs that have gone missing and then [been] found, with injuries to them, as well,'' Ms Rowling said.
She heard no reports of dog fighting in the area before Polly was stolen.
Polly spent Monday night in intensive care at a vet's.
''It was very touch and go with her.''
Ms Rowling urged anyone with information about what happened to Polly to contact the SPCA.
''It really is [sick],'' she said.
''This is her safe place. The SPCA is a place where animals come to feel safe.''
Sergeant Clint Wright, of Gore, said police were investigating the ''absolutely strange'' matter.
''We are interested to find out what the actual facts of it are because it's very cruel,'' he said.
He had not heard reports of dog fighting occurring in the area in the past.
Police hoped to get to the bottom of the incident to stop it happening again, he said.
Anyone with information was asked to contact Gore police on (03) 203-9300. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
People can contact Gore SPCA on (03) 208-5111.
