COPS have searched for a driver after a dog was seen shut inside a car full of barbed wire, leaving onlookers horrified.
The trapped pooch was spotted in a carpark in New South Wales, Australia, raising fears it could have been subjected to animal abuse.
Disturbing pictures of the incident then flooded social media – causing concern among locals and sparking a police probe.
Images appeared to show a distressed German Shepherd locked in a vehicle as the prickled lengths of steel surrounded the animal.
According to local reports, the sighting was at 10am near Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club, about 80 miles north of Sydney.
The person who shared the pictures online claimed the cops and the RSPCA were called to the scene immediately.
However, by the time authorities got there the car had already left.
NSW police told News.com.au they located the owner of the motor later that day and found the dog in good condition.
A police spokesman said: “They have checked the dog and confirmed there were no injuries and that it was being well cared for.
“They have also been assured the wire has been permanently removed from the car.”
Cops refused to elaborate on the owner’s reasoning for the barbed wire.
Nevertheless, locals still remain horrified from the bizarre incident.
“That’s the most f***ed up thing I’ve seen,” a Facebook user said.
“This honestly makes me so sick to think people treat animals like this,” one added.
“This is such strange behaviour and very distressing to see. To be done in the middle of the day in a public place where people will clearly see. I really hope police can still contact them and have a word,” another remarked.
RSPCA NSW said they were helping cops with the investigation.