AN RSPCA officer who rescued a badly mauled dog says it was the victim of illegal dog fighting.

The 30lb Staffordshire cross bitch, which was discovered in the back of a locked van with vicious dog bite wounds on its legs chest and neck, was taken to a vets, where it is recovering.

RSPCA inspector Sarah Hill had received a call from a worried member of public who heard a dog barking inside a van in Nelson.

Miss Hill took the dog to a veterinary surgery in Burnley, where it was given an intravenous drip, pain killers and antibiotics. She said: "When I saw its puncture wounds, I was certain it had been in a dog fight. And when I talked to one of our undercover surveillance officers, they confirmed my suspicions, describing dozens of similar casualties over the past few years in this area.

"We know money is involved in this secretive business, but often it is more about their prestige in a similar way to prize fighting among humans.

She added: "The dog had been in very good condition and we would like to trace its owners or anybody who may have seen it.

"Often these dogs are bred especially for the purposes of fighting, but sometimes they are stolen."

The find follows similar claims in Hyndburn after a number of pit bull-type animals went missing. The owner of the van is still being traced.

Anyone with information should call the RSPCA on 08705 555999.