The RSPCA has released a shocking photo of a dog which was found starved to half its body weight in Sheerness.

Inspectors were called after the male chocolate coloured bull-breed type was taken to Wellpets in Minster.

It had been brought to them by a concerned member of the public who had come across it in the Delamark Road area.

The animal is thought to be around two to three years old and was extremely emaciated when taken into the vets, weighing 13kg and with all its bones visible.

Dogs of a similar breed should weigh around 25kg.

It is thought the animal is called Rouger and the charity is now appealing for anyone with information about it to come forward.

Inspector Vikki Dawes said: “The vet said for Rouger to get into such a bad state he must have either been starved completely for a short period of time, such as a week, or given very little food for a long period of time.

"I have no doubt he would have been starved to death had he not been found and handed into us" - Insp Vikki Dawes

“Either way he would have suffered a great deal - and I have no doubt he would have been starved to death had he not been found and handed into us.

“It is such a shame as he’s such a lovely dog.

“As ravenous as he must have been, he still sat waiting patiently for his food, as we prepared it, in such a sweet-natured way.”

The dog, which was found on Wednesday, April 30, is now in the care of the RSPCA and is putting on weight and making a good recovery.

It is still far too thin to be considered for re-homing at the moment.

Anyone with information about this case can phone the RSPCA, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018.