AN appeal has been made following the discovery of an emaciated dog, found tethered to a fence near farm kennels.

The female lurcher was badly malnourished and suffering from a severe skin condition, when found tied to fencing near kennels at Fallow Field Farm, in South Hetton, County Durham, last night (TUE OCT 30).

She is now being treated at the kennels of the Stray Aid charity, in Coxhoe, near Durham.

Stray Aid director, Sue Bielby, said: “Although the dog is in a very poor condition we hope with effective care it will make a good recovery.”

Neighbourhood wardens collect stray dogs and if they are micro-chipped they are returned to the owner.

If not, however, they are taken to Stray Aid or to Deerness Kennels, in Langley Moor, near Durham, for a week to give the owner a chance to come forward.

If, after seven days, no-one has come forward to claim ownership, the recovered dog is put forward for re-homing.

In cases of apparent neglect the wardens work with Stray Aid and the RSPCA to consider bringing a prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act.

Should anyone have any information about the retrieved lurcher, they are asked to contact the wardens, on 03000-261018.