A TRUSTING dog whose paw was hacked off by a gang of youths in Romania is hoping to find a loving new home in the North-East.

Fram, a two-year-old Collie-type dog, was brought over to the UK by A Better Life Dog Rescue on Tuesday (August 18) after the charity heard of his horrific injury.

The friendly dog had been foraging for food near a remote village in Romania three months ago when he was lured away by some youths, who cut off his paw using a machete and then left him to suffer.

A volunteer at a nearby public shelter found the injured animal the next day and arranged for immediate veterinary care.

She also contacted A Better Life Dog Rescue and the Essex-based charity, which rescues and re-homes Romanian strays, was desperate to help.

As soon as Fram was well enough to travel he was brought to England and entrusted into the expert care of one of the charity’s dog fosterers, Christine Kipling of Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

Ms Kipling and the other charity supporters are trying to raise £8,000 for Fram’s treatment and hope to get him referred to television “supervet” Noel Fitzpatrick for a bionic limb.

The poorly pooch is unable to put any weight on his injured leg at present and is undergoing laser treatment with Paul Wilson, of Wilson’s Vets in Bishop Auckland.

Ms Kipling, 49, said: “Ultimately we would like to find a safe and loving home for Fram but right now we are focused on his recovery from this horrific injury.

“I felt disgusted when I heard what happened to him. There’s just no need for people to be that barbaric. Why on earth would someone want to do that to an animal? I can’t understand what goes through their minds.”

Fram is the Romanian word for polar and Fram was given his name as a name as volunteers believe he resembles a polar bear.

Ms Kipling said he remained a friendly and trusting dog despite what his suffering, adding: “He has a lovely nature and his tail is always wagging.”

Anyone interested in adopting Fram can contact Ms Kipling on 07894 449580.

To make a donation towards his treatment, visit mydonate.bt.com/events/fram/238910