A TRUSTING dog was left horrifically scarred after being "fed" a lit firework by a group of young children.

Cops say the mutt was called over by one of the cruel kids as they were larking around with firecrackers.

The sickening incident took place in San Lorenzo, Paraguay, and has infuriated those to have seen the photos.

The incident came after local firefighters had warned about the misuse of fireworks over the festive period.

According to media reports, the kids were playing with fireworks and firecrackers in the street near their homes.

One of them called the luckless dog over and put the firework in its mouth - with the fuse already lit.

Seconds later it exploded, causing the injuries seen in these horrifying photographs.

The dog - whose teeth and mouth were seriously damaged - was then taken to the vets.

The upsetting images were shared on Facebook by Celeste Florentin Aponte.

She said: "The first victim of Christmas. The dog now is being taken care of by me.

"God helps her because she is very injured and with multiple fractures in the mouth.

"When are they going to understand that firecrackers hurt a lot and cause lot of pain?"

The pictures went viral on Facebook and sparked more than 1,300 angry comments.

Gabriela Mendez Martinez called on parents to teach their kids to love all animals.

Vicky Lares Macias commented: "Those who did it are the future criminals."

While Roberto Blanco added: "All nature should be loved and respected, not destroyed."