Gardai in Dublin are appealing for witnesses after a dog had to be put down after being kicked and beaten.

The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the Jack Russell cross suffered extensive injuries in the attack in Balbriggan on Thursday night.

He was taken from the Dun Saithne area of the town and brought to a vet where an x ray revealed he had a fracture to his spine - among other injuries.

It's understood the incident happened in front of a group of children and adults and Gardai are appealing to them to come forward.