An horrifically injured dog found hiding under a hedge has been taken in by an animal rescue sanctuary.

The frightened cockapoo - a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle - was found with a gaping wound on its throat from ear to ear.

The 18-month-old bitch, named Kizzy by rescuers, was due to undergo surgery today.

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Experts believe baling twine was used as a makeshift collar which ate into the dog's flesh over a long period of time.

Stephanie Derry, who runs New Hope Animal Rescue with Niall Lester in Herne Bay, said: "Kizzy came into our care via a local authority after she was found straying.

"She has no microchip.

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"Sadly, she has a nasty wound on her neck from an embedded collar.

"The collar was no longer attached when she was found. Looking at the wound, the vet's suspicion is that this was caused by baling twine.

"It’s a deep, nasty injury.

"This could be the first of many operations to try to close the wound.

"There can be complications with injuries like this. She may well require multiple procedures.

"But we are taking things one step at a time and seeing how she goes.

"The most important thing for her now is that she is safe, pain-free and given lots of loving care.

"She's a real sweetheart but is unsurprisingly nervous. So she will need lots of extra TLC."

Kizzy was found hiding under a hedge by a member of public at Lower Halstow on Monday.

Swale council's dog warden named her and took her to the 12-acre sanctuary.

New Hope has been running for 15 years and is dedicated to helping animals on death row or with medical needs which make them difficult to re-home.

Niall said: "We aim to help as many animals as we can, given their circumstances and in particular, animals which have been turned away elsewhere.

"We often take in animals in immediate danger to save them from death and then place them into other rescues once a space is available."

He added: "Unfortunately, Kizzy's wound is not uncommon. I am dumbfounded that we see injuries like this every day.

"But this shows there has been some awful neglect. No one could have failed to have seen this."

Niall said: "Our vet bills are very large as we endeavour to help any animal whatever the cost.

"Kizzy's bill is likely to come to many hundreds of pounds. During the course of a year our vet bills can run into thousands of pounds. We are lucky we have a team of dedicated helpers and a network of support organisers. But we rely on donations to help keep saving lives."

For more details, email newhopeanimalrescue@hotmail.co.uk

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

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