A starved dog has been put down after it was found collapsed near a bush in Chatham.

The RSPCA was contacted when a member of the public found the extremely thin animal near The Victory Academy in Magpie Hall Road.

He was not microchipped and was a young black, Staffordshire bull terrier-type. His body was covered with fleas.

Warning: distressing image below

The charity is now appealing for information on the dog.

Inspector Rosie Russon said: “When I collected this poor dog I was horrified, he was just a bag of bones.

“He was so weak he didn’t have any strength to even try and support his tiny body.

“I was just so sad to think that he had been left to suffer in this way for such a long time, and even though he was clearly dying he was then just dumped by a bush during a dark cold winter’s evening. I struggle to comprehend how anyone could be this cruel to an animal.

“I would appeal to anyone who may recognise him from the photograph. He was also wearing a black fabric collar.

“Anyone with information should contact me on the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

To help the RSPCA, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give.