A kelpie-cross puppy was beaten for several days, burned and left for dead in a Victorian park and had to be put down.
The RSPCA euthanised the eight-week-old dog after a passer-by found it in an Altona Meadows park at 7pm on Wednesday.
"There is no way this puppy suffered in silence and we are appealing to anyone who heard, saw or knows anything around the circumstances leading up to her death to come forward," senior RSPCA Inspector Daniel Bode said on Friday.
Vets did all they could to save the dog's life but her condition kept getting worse.
"The extent of her injuries had already damaged her internal organs and would have affected her future growth," Mr Bode said.
Investigators believe the puppy had been bashed for several days before being dumped.
"Her mouth was swollen and possibly fractured before she was burned and left for dead in the park," Mr Bode said.
"Clearly it is the intention of the offender or offenders to not only cause the death of this puppy, but to inflict pain and suffering as well."
RSPCA Victoria inspectors are canvassing the neighbourhood where the puppy was found.
People convicted of offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act face fines up to $75,600 and up to two years' jail.
