A "gentle giant" canine who was discovered at the bottom of a 15ft shaft has sadly been put to sleep just months after being rescued. 

Badger - a grey and white crossbreed - was found by chance after a dog walker noticed him at the bottom of the waterlogged concrete hole in Stockton on April 12. 

The pooch, who had blistered skin from contaminated water, was believed to have been stuck down the hole for several days, or even as long as a week. 

Badger was rescued by the RSPCA and Cleveland Fire Brigade and then cared for at Jacqui Paterson Vets, which noted how he was making a good recovery.

Badger after he was rescued (Image: RSPCA)

The vets even began looking for a foster family to care for the canine. 

But sadly, the RSPCA and Dogs Trust has confirmed that, after extensive assessments and tests, vets agreed that the kindest thing to do was to put Badger to sleep. 

A specialist veterinary investigation revealed he “had multiple malformed joints, causing him significant pain and causing mobility problems.”

A water rescue trained firefighter was sent down the deep and narrow well to rescue badger back in April in a bid to comfort and lift the dog to safety. 

Badger was “utterly exhausted” when he was found, where water was “up to his neck.” He also couldn’t stand at the time, so was wrapped in a big towel-like stretcher.

Teams rescuing Badger from the shaft (Image: RSPCA)

Vets provided Badger with around the clock care after being rescued, and was initially being fed through a tube. 

He was also found with blisters inside of his mouth from the contaminated water - although this is likely to have saved his life. 

Despite the appalling conditions Badger was found in, he was getting stronger “by the day” under the care of vets. 

Jacqui Paterson, owner and veterinary surgeon, previously spoke to The Northern Echo about how he was making a “good recovery.” 

At the time she said: “Badger is making a good recovery but these things have to be done very slowly.

“For all the trauma he’s been through he’s a lovely dog and starting to come out of his shell wanting cuddles and giving a paw. It’s really rewarding to be part of his journey.”

A joint statement from RSPCA said: “Everyone involved in Badger’s rescue and care wanted a happy ending for him. 

“We are devastated and heartbroken that specialist veterinary investigation revealed he had multiple malformed joints, causing him significant pain and causing mobility problems.

"After extensive assessments and tests, veterinary experts agreed the kindest thing for Badger was to be put to sleep so he didn’t face a life of pain and suffering. 

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"All options were carefully considered, including specialist surgery - but regretfully it was felt this would not result in an acceptable ongoing quality of life for Badger. 

"We would like to thank everyone involved in Badger’s rescue and care, particularly the vet team who cared so attentively for him. 

“This is a devastating outcome for everyone involved but Badger’s welfare had to come first."