An animal rescue centre needs donations after paying for surgery costing thousands for a terrified dog that was hit by a car on the A34.

Ardley Rescue Kennels took in the injured stray after he was picked up by a kind member of the public who they have not been able to trace.

The person took the petrified animal to the vet and the vet contacted the kennels for help.

Annabelle Pottle, from the centre, which provides care and support to unwanted, stray or abandoned dogs, said: “He was first seen on the M40 and then he went on to the A34 so we think that the accident was at the junction near Bicester.

“He got free from his home and lost his bearings and then ran on to the main road. It was particularly busy as it was Guy Fawkes night – so we have named him Guy.”

The impact of the collision was so great that Guy’s jaw was fractured in four places and a feeding tube had to be inserted to allow him to eat.

The kennels, which relies solely on donations, appealed for cash to pay for the surgery but in the end decided to go ahead and book the appointment with specialist Eastcott Veterinary Referrals near Swindon as the dog was in such discomfort and unable to eat.

Annabelle said: “He stole a biscuit at the vet’s but he couldn’t eat it. He was so skinny – we are really struggling to get weight on him now.”

Guy, who is a lurcher/saluki cross, has had one operation but needs another in six to eight weeks’ time to have a pin removed from his jaw and three more teeth removed.

The kennels estimate the further costs will be £1,500 to £2,000 on top of the £7,500 they have already spent.

Following his surgery Guy will be ready to be rehomed in a kind, loving home which the kennels estimate could be by early next year.

“He was really lucky,” said Annabelle. “He could easily have been killed.”

The kennels will be running a stall at Bicester Christmas market to raise some of the money and will soon be launching an online appeal for donations.

It is possible to donate on paypal at donate@ardleyrescuekennels.co.uk until the Just Giving page is set up.