http://news.sky.com/skynews/Article/201106116003373
A dog has managed to survive despite being bound and shot in the head 40 times before being buried alive.
The stray collie - named Star by her rescuers - managed to wriggle her way to the surface of the shallow grave where she had been left to die in Malta.
Animal welfare officers were investigating a tip-off about three dogs being held in a cage when they heard her muffled whimpering.
They were shocked to find only her wired-up snout poking above the ground.
Rescuers were shocked to find Star still alive after being buried
As they dug her out, they were even more horrified to discover Star had her legs tied together with shoe laces and had been shot 40 times in the head with a pellet gun.
The five-year-old was rushed to the nearest veterinary clinic where she had emergency surgery.
Vet Trevor Zammit said: "We had to spoon out pellets from under her skin. The person who shot her didn't do so accidentally because she was shot from quite close range."
The collie's muzzle was tied-up with shoelaces
Star's incredible tale of survival has touched the world with a Facebook page entitled Star: the dog who lived, set up in her honour.
The site, which has attracted more than 35,000 people, also aims to raise awareness to animal cruelty, pet adoption and rescue.
Police are now hunting the person responsible for her sickening ordeal.