ANIMAL welfare officials are hunting a brute who tortured a dog with a lit cigarette.

The stricken pet – a Staffordshire bull terrier bitch – was spotted emaciated and covered with cigarette burns, struggling along a street in Paisley.

A woman who saw the dog in Well Street, Paisley, took it to a nearby police station, where officers alerted anti-cruelty charity the Scottish SPCA. The pet was then transferred to the pet rescue and rehoming centre in Cardonald, Glasgow where centre workers named the brindle dog Sophie.

Senior SSPCA Inspector Nicki Scott said the animal was half its ideal weight and covered in sores.

Inspector Scott said: "Sophie is severely emaciated, weighing just 7kgs. She also has ulcerated wounds on her leg, the tip of her nose and the inside of her ear.

"The vet who assessed Sophie said these may be cigarette burns as they are blistered and circular in shape.

"Sophie is currently receiving treatment for her sores and will be put on a special diet so we can get her to a healthy weight.

"Despite being caused a great deal of pain and suffering, she is very friendly. When she has fully recovered we will be looking to find Sophie a new owner who will provide her with the love and care she deserves.

"We're appealing to the public for information as we really need to find the cruel person responsible for causing Sophie so much distress."

"Anyone allowing an animal to be caused unnecessary suffering can, if convicted, be banned from keeping animals for life."

Anyone with information relating Sophie should call 03000 999 999.