Officials are currently investigating a case of animal cruelty after an 8-year-old female Labrador Retriever was found with significant injuries to her back, possibly caused by acid, according to officials.

The owners of the dog reported to Brownwood Animal Control that after being missing for two days, their dog returned home with injuries to her back which caused significant hair and skin loss, according to a Brownwood Police report.

The owner took the dog to the veterinarian who determined the injuries, which likely occurred a couple of days earlier, were thought to be consistent with burns caused by acid.

Animal cruelty is a senseless crime that is often left unsolved according to animal control officer Nick Ferguson.

“Animal cruelty is always troubling,” stated Ferguson.  “I cannot imagine why anyone would hurt an animal.  There is no good reason for something like this to happen.”

At this time the dog remains under veterinarian care and has lost large portions of skin along her back and sides.  Ferguson spoke with the vet Wednesday afternoon and the dog is reported to be doing well, is up walking around and may be able to return home at the end of the week.

Editor’s Note: Due to the graphic nature of the photo of dog’s injury provided to us, we chose not to run it in the content of this story. CLICK HERE for a direct link to the photo.  Some readers will consider the photo to be disturbing