Horrific and shocking images have emerged of two family dogs who had chemicals thrown over them.

A family in Cobh, Co Cork were left devastated when their dog was attacked while he was “minding his own business in the back garden”.

Cork’s Red FM said the family reached out to the Animal Rescue Cobh to warn other dog owners of the attack.

"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,” the family told Animal Rescue Cobh.

“Our family dog who wouldn't hurt a fly has been minding his own business in the back garden when some lowlife poured 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.”

A second incident occurred in Ballincollig Co Cork two weeks ago.

The dog received similar chemical burns while owner Danielle Murphy was out at work.

Vincent Cashman from the CSPCA told The Neil Prendeville Show on Cork’s RedFM that there is a possibility that the attacks are linked.

"It's a completely extreme case of cruelty. The dog in Cobh had three wounds on it's side. The dog will react to pain so the dog should have jumped back... It must have been held down while it was punctured," he said.

Cashman urged dog owners to bring their dogs to the vet for a chemical analysis if an attack occurs.

"It could have been anything. It could have been bleach or rat poison."

Cashman also urged owners to report all incidents to the police.