Plea for help after starving dog left to freeze in Stockport

The dog was found unable to stand and with suspected hypothermia

An appeal has been made after a "friendly and sweet natured" dog was found starving and abandoned in freezing temperatures.

The female Staffordshire bull terrier was discovered "severely emaciated" in Stockport and taken away by RSPCA volunteers for emergency treatment.

Charity officer Steve Wickham said the dog's "upsetting condition" made it clear it had been neglected for weeks.

Volunteers are asking for help to find who the dog belongs to, he added.

A microchip in the pet was linked to an address in Manchester, but the previous owner told the charity the animal had been sold six months ago.

The terrier was taken to a vet after being found in the Reddish area weighing just 15kg (33lbs) and suffering seizures caused by suspected hypothermia.

A vet gave the terrier a body score condition of only two out of nine.

The dog is now being treated at the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital and fed small meals every three hours.

"Aside from being starving, she was weak and had very little body fat to protect her from the elements, so it's not surprising hypothermia had started to set in, in this cold weather.," Mr Wickham said.

He said "food has been slowly reintroduced since and she's starting to make progress".

"We're very keen to find out who she belongs to and we're appealing to the public to help us."