THE RSPCA has described the condition of a stray dog found outside Darlington as appalling.

Inspectors discovered the German Shepherd bitch in a farmers field at Sadberge on Saturday morning.

RSPCA Inspector Garry Palmer said the dog was the skinniest he had seen in 10 years in the job.

"I have not been as upset about the condition of an animal as this for a long time," he said.

"The poor thing is nothing but skin and bones and it smells terrible.

"I have never seen a dog so skinny but still alive.

"We have taken her to the vet and they are keeping an eye on her, but I don't think she will survive for long.

"It is emaciated beyond belief. Somebody must have been keeping this dog locked up somewhere without feeding it. They have obviously tired of it and just dumped it."

Mr Palmer appealed for anyone with information about the black and tan German Shepherd to get in touch so that charges could be brought against the owner.

He said: "I'm hoping that a decent animal loving person will be able to tell us who is responsible for this.

"Any information we get will be treated with total confidence.

"How anybody could allow an animal to get into this kind of state is shocking."

Call the RSPCA on 0870-5555-999.