A STARVING dog - described as the "thinnest ever seen alive" by RSPCA inspectors - had been forced to eat glass before he was rescued in East Lancashire.
Inspectors say the dog, now named Eric, could barely stand when he was discovered in the street in Accrington.
Charity officials had been alerted to the state of the dog by a member of the public earlier this month.
RSPCA inspector Nina Small said: "He was in the yard of an empty council house on Ribblesdale Avenue, near to the cricket club and playing fields.
"The finder was walking his daughter back from a local park when he saw him, and went back to get him.
"I have made enquiries locally, but no one recognises him. He isn’t microchipped – as is required by law – and has not been reported as a stray to the dog warden, so at the moment there is no way of tracing his owner.”
Eric is said to be an unneutered male bull-breed type, and is white with dark brown patches.
RSPCA inspectors say he was so thin when he was found that all the bones in his body could be seen through his fur.
The inspector added: "As well as being the thinnest dog I've ever seen alive, he had very overgrown nails and was absolutely covered in urine.
"His faeces had pieces of glass and metal as big as a 50 pence piece in it, and bits of batteries.
"I believe poor Eric has been confined somewhere out of sight, eating whatever he’s been able to get in his mouth – perhaps a garage or a shed.
"If anyone has any information please contact me on our appeal line 0300 123 8018."
READ MORE: A council is spray painting dog poo on pavements to highlight the problem
She is also appealing for any CCTV from the area,
She added: "Eric did not get to this garden on his own.”
Eric was hospitalised for a week and is now on a recovery diet.
"He's put on nearly a kilo," added the inspector.
"He's now able to stand and can take a few steps and it's looking like he’s turned a corner, but he still has a long way to go.
"He's just gone to a foster home where he is continuing to get the care he needs to hopefully continue to recover."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel