AN emaciated, maggot and flea-infested dog, which was found dumped outside Wythall Animal Sanctuary, has had to be destroyed.

The elderly collie, which was half its normal body weight, was discovered, wrapped in a duvet, by staff at the Middle Lane sanctuary on Sunday.

The animal was unable to stand without help, his vital organs were failing, his coat was matted and he was riddled with maggots.

A trustee for Wythall Animal Sanctuary said: "I was just appalled when I saw it.

"This is definitely the worst case I've ever seen at the sanctuary.

"The dog was utterly neglected and looked like a whippet. It was literally dying when we found it."

The collie weighed just 9.75 kilograms - a healthy collie weighs at least 18kgs.

The trustee added: "We don't like to put animals down.

"It's actually our policy not to put animals down unless there is a quality of life issue - we just had no choice."

The RSPCA has urged anyone who knows anything about the abandoned dog to call it 08705 555 999.