Rescuers said Cracker was close to death

Rescuers in Gateshead found a near-dead four-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, which they think was dumped to make way for a puppy Christmas gift.

The emaciated animal has been named Cracker by veterinary nurses.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSCPA) says more unwanted pets face being abandoned over the Christmas period.

Cracker was found wandering in the Springwell Terrace area of Gateshead on Sunday night.

He was rescued by the RSPCA and is being cared for by staff at the Westway veterinary surgery in Newcastle's West End.

Diane Elcoate, from the surgery, said Cracker was lucky to be alive and would have died if he had not been rescued.

She said: "He's in an emaciated condition and it is likely he's not been fed properly for at least a month.

He has been caused enormous suffering by people supposedly responsible for caring for him Insp Sue Craig, RSPCA

"If Cracker had not been rescued he would not have seen Christmas because of the cold weather.

"He is such a lovely dog with a wonderful temperament. Anybody who does this to a dog cannot have a heart."

Mrs Elcoate said it was possible he had been abandoned because he owner may have been getting a new puppy for Christmas.

She added: "This often happens this time of the year as people get rid of an older dog to get a puppy in time for Christmas."

Inspector Sue Craig, from the RSPCA, said: "We think Cracker's been living in a loving, caring family home and something has gone wrong.

"We are keeping an open mind but we really do need to speak to this dog's owner.

"He has been caused enormous suffering by people supposedly responsible for caring for him.

"This happens far too much and I do not understand how people can do this."