Visakha

This shocking photo shows a tragic dog being dragged along the road after having its leg tied to the back of a car.

Animal lovers have expressed shock and outrage after the photo was put out on social networks.

Taken in Guyanas, western Ecuador, the photo shows the Alsatian cross-breed dog dead, with its head and body scraping along the tarmac road.

The poor animal’s right leg is tied to a piece or rope that is connected to the car's rear spoiler.

Dangling down into the road, the tragic hound's body is then dragged along at 40mph.

It is not clear if the dog died before or after it was tied to the car

Appalled animal lovers have alerted police and are trying to track the owner of the vehicle through part of the car’s licence plate which reads ML 753.

Angry Beatriz Alban said on social media: "Please, share. This wretch must pay for their evil deed, and the world should know all there is about who he is and what he does.”

Even the popular Ecuador television host and animal activist Blanca Salame, 36, published on her Instagram profile: "Owner of this truck that dragged the dog must be caught and punished.

"We are tired of this abuse."

A police spokesperson said: "We are aware of the photo and incident and are investigating the car owner, who has not yet been identified."