A severely emaciated dog has been rescued after it was discovered abandoned in a park in North Shields.
The white Staffordshire Bull Terrier, named Ayma by veterinary staff, is so thin all of her ribs are visible and she is unable to stand or walk.
She was discovered by a member of the public at about 6am on Friday on a grassy embankment near Howden Road, close to the A187 in North Shields.
RSPCA inspector Cathy Maddison, who is now investigating, said: ‘No matter how long I do this job, nothing quite prepares you for seeing a dog at this level of emaciation.
‘I don’t know how she is still alive and what is even more heartbreaking is just how lovely and friendly she is, despite what she has been through.
‘She was found by a member of the public this morning who spotted her wrapped in an old towel.
‘Luckily, the kind member of the public scooped her up and we were contacted. He told me he was on his way to get ready for a job interview when he stopped what he was doing to help which really shows the kindness of members of the public.’
Got a story for Metro.co.uk?
If you have a story for our news team, email us at webnews@metro.co.uk.