POLICE in Colne were so sickened by the extent of the cruelty shown to a puppy a reward is being offered for information about its owner.

Sergeant Karen Edwards was handed the five-month-old pup by a member of the public who discovered him in Walton Street on Thursday.

He was immediately taken to a vet but had to be put down because of the abuse he had suffered. The police are looking to prosecute the culprit.

Sgt Edwards said: "It was the worst case of animal cruelty and neglect I had ever seen and the veterinary staff said he had suffered a lot. He was just skin and bones. He was so malnourished his kidneys had packed in. He couldn't walk or even lift his head up.

"He was tan coloured and looked like a whippet but that could have just been because his ribs were sticking out. The vets are usually able to bring them round, even when they are in a terrible state, but he was so far gone."

Sgt Edwards said Crimestoppers would offer a reward but the amount would depend on the information.

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Sgt Edwards on 01282 425001.