AN ABANDONED pet left to starve in the cold is looking for a new home after being found wandering the streets by a dog warden.

Residents had reported seeing the shivering Staffordshire-cross searching for scraps of food around the Royds Street area of Woodnook, Accrington.

When Hyndburn Council's dog warden found the female dog she was close to death.

She weighed just 12.5kgs - half what she should weigh.

Warden Steve Wood said: "How anyone could have subjected her to this abuse is beyond me.

"Whoever used to own this dog isn't fit to call themselves human.

"It makes me so angry to see animals that have been treated this way.

"She was just wrinkled skin on a bag of bones. Her fur is all matted and has rubbed away in lots of places.

"She has a beautiful face."

The dog was not wearing a collar when she was found on Friday afternoon, and there was no sign of a microchip identification tag.

Mr Wood continued: "I hope that we are able to trace the owners so that we can bring a prosecution.

"If anyone has any information I would urge them to get in touch with me, or the police."

When the dog was found she was first taken to the Town and Country veterinary practice, in Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors.

A member of staff at the vet's said: "The dog is very emaciated. She is not just like this from living on the streets. She weighs only 12.5kgs, which is half the weight that she should be.

"She is really friendly and it would be lovely if she could find a home where she will be loved."

The dog was moved to the Hyndburn Stray Dogs in Need Centre, where she is in a stable condition.

Staff at the centre are slowly increasing her food intake to allow her to regain her strength.

Call the charity's Aspen Valley Kennels on 01254 233702 to find out more about adopting a dog.