A DOG found wandering the streets of Middlesbrough was in such an ill and neglected state, it had to be destroyed.

Shocked animal welfare workers are determined to track down the owner of the black and white cavalier king charles spaniel, and are appealing to the people of the town for help.

The spaniel, which had reddish brown coloured patches around its eyes, was found walking aimlessly along Borough Road, last month, with an open, weeping tumour on its back, matted fur and ingrowing nails.

The nails were so overgrown they dug into the pads of the feet of the dog, which is thought to have been about five years old.

RSPCA Inspector Christine Guy said: "It looked up from the vet's table as if to say, 'why me ?' It was in a very pitiful condition.

"He had this large tumour on his rear end, and his ears resembled those of Dumbo, they were so matted. It was just horrific, really so awful. It was heartbreaking.

"This is such a shocking case of neglect. This dog was well-nourished, indicating that he clearly belonged to someone, yet his owners had failed to groom him, cut his nails or take him to a vet for treatment for his tumour."

She added: "It's tragic that this dog was left to suffer and wander the streets alone. His death could so easily have been prevented, and we are now keen to find out who may have once owned him."

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA national cruelty and advice line on 0870-55-55-999.