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

Inspectors discovered the German shepherd bitch in a field in Sadberge on Saturday morning.

RSPCA Inspector Garry Palmer said the dog was the skinniest he had seen in ten 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.

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

Anyone with information can call 0870-5555-999.