A SICK and emaciated dog found abandoned in a lay-by has had to be put down.

The elderly male rough collie had lost the use of its back legs and did not recover from its ordeal despite six days of treatment at the Bay Tree Veterinary Surgery in Stourport.

The dog was found in the lay-by close to Ribbesford Woods off the Switchback road from Bewdley to Stourport at 9pm last Wednesday.

After being discovered by a driver, the dark sable and white collie was rushed to the vets in Mitton Gardens but had to be destroyed on Tuesday.

Its condition was so bad the RSPCA was alerted. Inspector Neil Tysall said: "The dog could have been abandoned by its owners or it may have been a stray which had been lost in the woods."

Mr Tysall added the RSPCA wanted to hear from anyone with information about the incident. Anyone who can help should call 08705 555999.