A CALLOUS dog owner is being hunted by the RSPCA after an emaciated puppy was found abandoned in Storeton Woods.

The five-month-old German shepherd was discovered by a member of the public shut inside a wooden box in the Bebington woodland.

The woman, who was walking her own dog, took the puppy to Broadway Vets in Bebington who immediately rang the RSPCA.

The dog was so weak when it was found it was unable to climb out of the box.

RSPCA Inspector Nadine Pengilly, said: "This little dog is literally just skin and bone - he is in a shocking state.

"He weighs just 10kg, but should weigh closer to 20kg. He is anaemic and is covered in sores caused by having to lie in his own mess.

"Its quite clear that he hasn't been fed for at least a week. In fact it may be that this is a much older dog that has not received adequate nutrition all its short life and so appears much younger than it is.

"I find it hard to believe that there are people out there who could be so callous."

Anyone with information as to who abandoned the puppy should contact 08705 555 999.

Calls are charged at the national rate and are in confidence.