The greyhound had to have its ears amputated

The RSPCA wants help in tracing the owners of a "badly mistreated" greyhound found in Almondsbury.

And Bristol Dogs Home is appealing after a "starving dog covered in a greasy substance" was found tied to railings overnight on Thursday.

The German Shepherd was discovered at the back of a property in Albert Road, St Philips, in the city.

Amputated ears

Dog wardens collected the stray dog in Almondsbury after being contacted by a concerned resident.

Aged between one and three, the dog's back leg was very swollen and he had been shaved badly with little tufts on him.

His ears were also badly torn and had to be amputated.

The German Shepherd was "so thin his ribs were showing through his coat, and he was covered in a sticky, fatty substance."

Bristol Dogs Home Manager Lyn Gilman said: "Chippy is a really friendly and loving dog, but he does seem a bit bemused at the moment which isn't surprising.

"We're equally puzzled as to how he got here and what the greasy substance on his fur is.

"It doesn't smell like petrol or oil, and he doesn't have burns from having something like hot cooking fat thrown on him, so we're at a loss to know how he got into this state."