Vets raced to save a pregnant stray dog that was shot in the face with a harpoon.

The white female mutt sparked concern when villagers spotted her roaming around the neighbourhood with the metal object skewering her face in Phrae, Thailand, on October 10. The harpoon had pierced through her forehead and emerged near her jaw.

Residents called a rescue team as they believe the dog had been shot recently.

She was previously seen uninjured while wandering the area with other stray dogs. She was nursing three puppies and is believed to be pregnant.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Setthawut Khamwiset, a village councilman and head of the local rescue unit, said more than 10 volunteers were dispatched to catch the elusive animal.

He said: 'The dog is scared of people and it ran away into the forest. We haven't found it yet. The Den Chai Rescue Unit will continue the search because the dog is starting to show signs of fatigue. If no one disturbs it, it may return to sleep in the villagers' houses, making it easier to catch. We hope to have it treated quickly.'

Wipob Piya, 29, the owner of a grocery store that the injured dog frequents, said the stray was in heat and had been staying in the village for around 10 days.

He said: 'At around 6 pm, my neighbour saw that the dog had been pierced by a harpoon, probably from a speargun. It probably happened today, because she was fine before.

'I felt pity so I posted her picture on social media to ask for help. I was afraid of injuring her more if I tried to pull out the skewer on my own.'

Residents believe the dog may have angered a local by trespassing or attacking livestock. The search was ongoing.