AN animal rescue centre is searching for the owners of a dog that was left starving and close to death in an orchard near Martley.

The male border collie was found in a pitiful state by a woman who spotted him on Tuesday evening, near Shelsley Beauchamp.

They contacted staff at the Greenacres Rescue Centre in Badsey, who sent a team out to rescue the dog.

Unable to walk

When they arrived at the scene, they found the dog was unable to walk, was very thin and covered in mange.

Sindie Sinclair, manager of the centre, said they took the dog to the vet, who thought he was around five years old.

She added the dog would be lucky to survive as it was in such a poor state, and had probably been on the street for more than a month.

"When we got there the dog was completely exhausted, covered in mange, had cataracts and a matted tail," she said.

"He was very dehydrated and thin, and it is going to be touch and go whether he survives.

"We have alerted the police, and the people who found him also contacted them."

If the dog was deliberately neglected, the case could be brought to court by the RSPCA, and the owners fined or banned from keeping animals.

Sindie is now urging anyone who knows anything about the dog, or knows who owns it, to contact the centre.

"Any information will be treated strictly in confidence," she said.

"If this is a case of cruelty, I would like to see the owner banned from keeping animals for life."

Anyone with information should call 07932 748688.