Police are urging the public to come forward with information after an injured dog branded with the numbers ``191'' was found in Aurora.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals spokesman Brad Dewar says the male dog was emaciated and near death when discovered by a York Region police officer.

Const. Netashia McLellan says she got a call last Sunday after a homeowner found the animal, which she believes was used for hunting.

Dewar says the marks were chemically branded on both sides of the dog's body, and that the animal also suffered traumatic head injuries causing blindness in its right eye.

He says the animal spent two days under treatment and is expected to make a full recovery before being put up for adoption.

Dewar called the case ``suspicious'' but says it's not yet clear if the animal was abused.

He said it is possible that the branding was done with bleach or spray paint.

(Canadian Press)