AN emaciated dog in an appalling condition was found collapsed on a quiet village road.
The black and tan terrier, believed to be between 14 and 16 years old, was close to death when RSPCA inspectors arrived at Old Mill Lane, Thurgoland last week.
It was severely arthritic, suffering from dermatitis and fur loss, and had a large tumour on its throat.
RSPCA chief inspector Matt Bell, who attended the incident at about 11pm, said: "It’s really sad that, at a time when the RSPCA has been reporting that animals are being treated like rubbish due to the alarming increase in them being abandoned, I get a call to such a vulnerable, elderly dog abandoned on an isolated country lane.
"This dog clearly could not have strayed anywhere as she was in such an appalling condition."
Inspector Bell took the animal home overnight and made it comfortable. However it had to be put down the following day because of chronic illness.
"Had we not got the call she would have died of exposure overnight," Matt added.
"I take some comfort that she was found and did not spend her last night alone, cold and exhausted, dumped in a country lane."
Any information about the incident should be reported to the appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
