'Skeleton' puppy is found dumped

Inspectors urged anyone who knows the dog's owners to contact them

A puppy described by RSPCA inspectors as "a living skeleton" has been found dumped in part of Stoke-on-Trent.

The terrier-collie cross, thought to be about seven months old, was found in the grass near Tunstall Park by a dog walker, the RSPCA said.

RSPCA vets said the puppy, who has been named Jack by staff, was thin and barely able to lift his head when he was found.

They have urged anyone with information about Jack's owners to contact them.

RSPCA inspector Jackie Hickman said: "This dog is like a living skeleton.

"His condition when found was appalling.

"He was in a collapsed state barely able to lift his head. He had urine stains on his coat and extremely overgrown nails."

She added: "This young dog has endured a horrible start in life and we need to find out who was responsible for his suffering."