Kelpie found tied to tree with horrific head injuries in Adelaide Hills as RSPCA hunts attacker

WARNING: Graphic content

A dog has been left for dead in a sickening case of animal cruelty, with investigators seeking public help to find those responsible.

The young female kelpie was found tethered to a tree with shocking head injuries in the Adelaide Hills.

RSPCA South Australia said the dog was likely struck “multiple times with a splitting hatchet” before being left tied up,bleeding and badly hurt.

A member of the public found her about 1pm on Sunday at the Nairne Golf Course in the Adelaide Hills, just inside the boundary near Old Princes Hwy.

RSPCA SA have said a splitting hatchet — believed to be the weapon used to inflict the injuries — was found nearby. It has been seized by SA Police for forensic testing, with results expected to take up to three months.

Investigators believe the attack happened sometime between 4pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday.

“She had no identification and is believed to have been tethered to the tree for less than 24 hours,” RSPCA said.

The dog was rushed to RSPCA SA’s Animal Care Campus at O’Halloran Hill for emergency surgery. Staff say she is now recovering well.

RSPCA SA is pleading for any information, saying the dog may have been stolen or found wandering before the attack — meaning her owners could be unaware of what happened.

“We are particularly interested in any information about where the dog has come from,” a spokesperson said.

“If anyone saw a vehicle parked at this location or any person or persons loitering in the area on the Saturday night or Sunday morning prior to her discovery, please contact RSPCA’s emergency hotline immediately.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 1300 477 722.