THIS is the disturbing picture of a severely emaciated dog found wandering the streets of Romford on Sunday (January 16).

The poorly pooch - whose ribs and backbone are poking through his fur - was luckily rescued by a passing motorist and taken straight to a vets in Gidea Park for treatment.

Angry staff from Hornchurch Animal Rescue Centre estimate the four-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross is just half the weight it should be.

Donna Evans, rescue centre manager, said: “We took him straight to the vets where he is being rehydrated. He is quite a tall boy. We guess he should be around 30kgs maybe more as he should be a fairly muscular boy but he was 15kgs.”

Donna believes the dog had been locked up and starved.

Now she is urging anyone who knows anything about the owner to come forward – to prevent other animals being abused.

“Strays usually manage to scavenge food before they become in such bad condition and are helped or collected by a warden,” said Donna. “If someone is responsible they need to be dealt with.

“The dog is also very frightened and was not keen to come out of his cage at the vets although he managed to wag his tail when I gave him some small treats. I’m keen to find out if anyone knows anything about this poor boy.”

She added: “This is a very sad case.”

Nicknamed Bruce, Donna hopes a caring animal-lover will come forward to take on the damaged pet.

She said: “We are appealing for a quiet foster or forever home where Bruce can be rehabilitated once he leaves the vets and donations towards his treatment and rehabilitation are needed.”

Those interested can contact Donna on: 07523180744 or email: enquiries@hornchurchpetservices.co.uk .

Donations can be made online via: www.hornchurchpetservices.co.uk

Dumped staffies are a growing problem in the UK, since their popularity as a status dog rocketed.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: “We believe so many Staffies are in need of new homes because in addition to being a popular pet, the breed has become fashionable with irresponsible owners who are more interested in their own image than their dog’s welfare

“Many of the dogs in the RSPCA’s care have been neglected or abused and need very special new owners to help them recover.”

Common reasons given for handing Staffies over to the RSPCA are that owners are unable to cope with looking after a dog, or that financial or housing circumstances have changed.

If you would like to help the RSPCA continue with its vital animal welfare work by making a donation, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/donate or call: 0300 123 0346.