A LURCHER that had been "kicked to pieces" by cruel thugs has been cited as the worst case ever seen at the Forest Dog Rescue centre.

Fourteen-month old Heather was taken in by the Far Forest sanctuary last month after eventually being rescued from Hartlebury Common by Wyre Forest District Council's dog warden and taken to a vet.

Her ordeal was made worse by a mix-up which saw her left on the common overnight in freezing temperatures after the people who found her told the RSPCA she had been in a road accident.

Sandra Whitmore, who has run Forest Dog Rescue for four years, said it was a "poor show" from the RSPCA for not coming to the animal's rescue.

But a spokeswoman for the RSPCA said the law states the society cannot take responsibility for animals hurt in road accidents - but it would have been "a different kettle of fish" if operators were told Heather had been a victim of cruelty.

"Heather had been repeatedly kicked to pieces. She is definitely the worst case I have seen - she is petrified of people," Ms Whitmore said.

Forest Dog Rescue saves the lives of about 300 animals a year which are taken in until they can be re-homed and would otherwise be put down.

Ms Whitmore is desperate to find a loving home for Heather: "She will make somebody a most loyal and faithful pet. It took four days before she would come anywhere near me but now she loves me.

"We need somebody with a lot of time and patience to take her on."

Fund-raising volunteers are also urgently sought. Forest Dog Rescue can be contacted on 01299 266858.