A SUFFERING dog found collapsed on a football field in Bury was so emaciated it had to be put down.

The RSPCA is now appealing for information relating to the young male Staffordshire bull terrier, which was found on Redvales football fields in Redvales Lane on April 4.

A member of the public took the animal to Armac Veterinary Practice in The Rock, Bury, but vets were forced to have it put to sleep.

Steven Batty, of Armac Veterinary Group, said: “He was brought in to us after being found by a member of the public.

“He was in a terrible condition. He was extremely emaciated, covered in sores and had overgrown nails.

“Sadly, the most humane thing to do was to put him to sleep to end his suffering.”

The young dog was not wearing a collar and ID tag as is required by law. He was also not microchipped, so RSPCA inspectors are finding it difficult to trace the owner RSPCA chief inspector Beth Clements said: “We are appealing for anyone who recognises this dog and has specific information about his owner to get in touch with us so we can establish what happened here.

“Anyone who thinks they can help should call us on 0300 1234 999 and ask to leave a message for me.”