A YOUNG dog was abandoned in such a terrible state that new owners will not take her home.

Hyndburn dog warden Stephen Wood was called in after the three-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross was found dumped near kennels on Lower Aspen Lane in Oswaldtwistle.

The black and white dog was starving, and its claws were so long that it could hardly walk.

Responsibility for the dog has now been passed on to Hyndburn Stray Dogs in Need, a charity that tries to re-house canines in the area.

But so far nobody has wanted to take the mistreated pup, and an appeal has gone out to find it a new owner.

Mr Wood said: "Because the kennels are at the bottom of the lane people just dump dogs there.

"In this case a couple of kids on Blackburn Road took it in and rang me up.

"When I saw its condition I just felt so sorry for it.

"The RSPCA had it checked out, all its bones were sticking out and we are feeding it up now.

"We are going to get it groomed up and cut its claws.

"It's obviously had a rough life, and we want to give this dog a second chance."

Anybody interested in housing the dog or 'fostering' it until a permanent home can be found should call Georgina at Hyndburn Stray Dogs in Need on 07787 135053.