The great survivor: Terrier was tied up with washing-line noose round his neck

Badly injured rough-haired terrier Alvin was found wandering along a quiet suburban street with the plastic covered metal washing line still wrapped round his head – and a shocking neck wound bearing witness to his desperate battle for life.

Staff at the RSPCA, who have been caring for Alvin for the last fortnight, say the terrible scar might never heal properly.

Animal welfare Inspector Sandra Dransfield spoke out about the case yesterday – and made an impassioned plea for the public to come forward with information about the dog’s plight.

She said: “You get to see some awful things in my job, but you can only imagine how this poor dog must have suffered while he was struggling to break free.

“Alvin’s neck was badly infected and deeply scarred – suggesting that he was tied up for a longish period before he managed to get away.

“The metal washing line itself was quite sharp in spite of being covered with plastic, and it had cut into the soft tissue around his neck quite badly leaving a scar which might not heal.”

Investigations have centred on the town of Mexborough where Alvin was found on December 27. But officials have been unable to find any trace of his owners so far.

Insp Dransfield went on: “Alvin wasn’t wearing a collar or an identifying tag, and nobody has come forward to claim him or report him missing so we’re no nearer to finding out where he came from, and where his owners live.

“Somebody out there may have seen him tied up with the washing line some time around Christmas, and may have witnessed him struggling to break free before he was found wandering in the town.

“I’d urge anyone with the slightest information to get in touch with the RSPCA urgently.”