A THREE-MONTH-OLD puppy found with deep neck wounds is looking forward to a new home thanks to an animal charity.

Minute mongrel Basil was found whimpering with pain by a woman walking her dogs near RAF Brize Norton on Easter Sunday.

A shoe lace had been knotted round his neck so tightly it had caused a 2cm wound.

She took the sick puppy to the Blue Cross adoption centre near Burford where staff immediately took him to the vet for an emergency check-up.

Jenny Woolliams, Blue Cross animal welfare supervisor, said: “When Basil arrived it was clear he needed urgent attention.

“His injury was horrific and must have been caused over quite a long period of time, causing it to become badly infected.

“We believe the lace had been tied in a bow round his neck when he was tiny and, as he grew, it cut deeper and deeper into his flesh.

“We cut off the string and took him to the vet, who treated his wounds and gave him painkillers.

“Luckily, after a few days of medication, TLC and rest, his condition improved.”

Basil, who was given the name by staff who thought the tan-coloured mongrel looked like a little fox, has been transferred to the Blue Cross adoption centre in Southampton where he is hoping to find a new home.

The charity referred the case to the RSPCA who are appealing for anyone with information about Basil’s treatment to contact them.

Animal Welfare OfficerLuke Hughes said: “Anyone with information is urged to call the RSPCA cruelty line in confidence on 0300 1234 999.”