A NEIGHBOURHOOD officer is appealing for information after a dog found in an appalling condition was handed into a police station.

The white American Bulldog was found wandering in Taswell Road, Rainham, by a local person.

Officers were shocked by the animal's condition and the PetAid Hospital were called to treat her. She was put on a drip and is now receiving medical treatment at their local centre.

PC Caroline Pope, who is investigating the incident, said: "The poor thing is skin and bones and it is appalling that someone could let an animal suffer in this way.

"She is micro chipped and we have traced her breeder who sold her some time ago. We have also discovered that when she was with her breeder she weighed around nine stone. She now weighs about two.

"Enquiries are ongoing and I would like to thank the person who found her for not leaving her on the street and bringing her into the police station.

"I would also like to extend my gratitude to the PetAid Hospital for taking such excellent care of her and bringing her back from the brink of death.

"It may be that she has been stolen and abandoned or this could be a case of blatant cruelty.

"We are keen to find out how she came to be in this terrible condition. I would ask anyone who can help us to contact officers at Medway police station."

If you can help police with this investigation, contact officers in Medway on 01634 792346.