TWELVE days before Christmas, a dog has been found abandoned and half-starved.

Despite being all skin and bone, Cracker - as he's been named by veterinary nurses - still manages to wag his tail and let out a whimper.

The RSPCA suspects he may have been abandoned because his owners wanted to get a puppy for Christmas.

Investigators now want to find Cracker's owner and are appealing to the public for their help.

The four-year-old black Staffordshire bull terrier was found wandering in Springwell Terrace, Gateshead, on Sunday night. He was rescued by an RSPCA officer and was yesterday being cared for by staff at the Westway veterinary surgery, in Newcastle's West End.

Diane Elcoate, from the surgery, said Cracker was lucky to be alive and would have died if he had not been rescued when he was.

"He's in an emaciated condition and it is likely he has not have been fed properly for at least a month," she said.

"If Cracker had not been rescued, he would not have seen Christmas because of the cold weather.

"He is such a lovely dog with a wonderful temperament. Anybody who does this to a dog cannot have a heart."

Anyone with information about who owns Cracker is asked to contact either the RSPCA, on 08705 555 999, or the Westway surgery, on 0191-274 7910.

Read more about the Animal Watch campaign here.