AN anaemic dog which weighs just half what it should has been found wandering round Malton.

The RSPCA is investigating after the extremely skinny Labrador-cross type dog was found roaming around the town on Monday morning.

It was collected by a local dog warden who took him to nearby kennels and alerted the RSPCA.

RSPCA Inspector Claire Little, now investigating, said: “The dog is an 11-year-old crossbreed called Bailey.

“He is microchipped but, sadly, the contact details are out of date and enquiries are ongoing to establish where his owners are now.

“We’d like to speak to his owners as he is in a really poor condition. Blood tests showed he’s anaemic and he’s severely underweight, weighing just 17kg when he should weigh between 30-35kg.

“His hip bones are clearly visible and you can see all the bones in his spine.”

In England, it is a legal requirement to have your dog microchipped, registered with an online database and contacts details kept up-to-date.

Bailey is now being cared for by staff at the RSPCA’s York Animal Home while inspectors investigate.

“I’d like to appeal to the public for help in tracking down who is responsible for letting poor Bailey get into such a state,” Inspector Little said.

“Anyone with any information can get in touch by calling 0300 123 8018.”