A Pitbull terrier was slashed in the head with a machete yesterday but the circumstances surrounding the brutal attack remain unclear.

After conflicting reports, animal protection officer Yvonne Ricca said that the incident is under investigation.

But it is understood that the dog owner?s son was fighting with another male and let the dog loose and the other male whacked it with a machete.

The dog was dropped off at Hannover Veterinary Hospital, Pembroke by two unidentified men yesterday with a gash to its head that exposed the skull.

The wound was stitched up, P.c. Ricca said.

But the veterinary hospital declined to comment on the dog?s state because the hospital has a client confidentiality policy.

P.c. Ricca is asking for any witnesses to come forward with information and Crime Stoppers, Bermuda wants to remind the public that they can use their confidential, 24 hour hotline to report any animal cruelty.

Crime Stoppers emphasised that calls will never be traced and investigators do not reveal that they are working on a Crime Stoppers tip.

Rewards are offered in cases that lead to arrests, but are code based so ones identity is never revealed. Crime Stoppers number is 1-800-623-8477.