*Some users may find these images distressing*

A warning has now been issued to pet owners in the Cork area, after a family dog was attacked seemingly for no reason while he lay in his own back-garden.

In a heart-wrenching post on an animal charity's Facebook page, images of the injured pet were afterwards posted – prompting an outraged response from hundreds of people. 

Shared via Arc – Animal Rescue Cobh – it read: "Word of caution to any dog owners in Cobh – it's a fright to God when you can't even keep your own family dog out in the back garden without him being abused.

"Our family dog who wouldn't hurt a fly has been minding his own business in the back garden when some lowlife poured some sort something over him which has been described by the vet as a sort of chemical.

"The holes in his back are from someone poking him with an iron through the fence.

"So everyone please keep an eye on your dogs and if you see any suspicious activity around a house please report to the Gardai! We are absolutely devastated that someone would do this to our dog."

In response, Peta Ireland has also offered up a €2,000 reward for information that leads to the discovery of the perpetrators of the vicious attack.

"It's imperative that any community faced with a cruel and callous act such as this take measures to find the culprit and bring him or her to justice," Peta's Elisa Allen said.

"Animal abusers are a danger to everyone – they take their issues out on whoever is available to them, human or non-human – and must be caught before they act again."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111.