'The image of Luna tied to the railings is absolutely heartbreaking... she looked utterly broken'

The RSPCA says it is investigating after a 'starved and skeletal' dog was found abandoned tied to railings at a public park.

Luna - a Staffordshire bull terrier type dog - was said by the RSPCA to be 'severely emaciated' in what a rescue sanctuary described as 'the worst case of neglect they have ever seen'.

Wrapped in a pink knitted jumper, Luna was found by a member of the public in Highfield Park, Wigan, at around 7.30pm on June 5, before being brought to safety by a volunteer from Greater Manchester Lost Dog Search and Rescue Capture Team.

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She weighed just over 36 pounds, but is now said to be recovering well in the care of Dogs4Rescue, which is looking for a new loving home for her.

The RSPCA said blood tests revealed Luna was severely anaemic and her emaciated condition was putting stress on her organs, although thankfully she did not need hospitalisation. She was also covered in fleas and had badly overgrown claws.

The RSPCA said it was made aware of Luna's case by the charity and has been gathering information and making enquiries in the local area ever since.

Emma Billington, Founder of Dogs4Rescue said: "Luna is a sweet and gentle soul who loves cuddles and playing with her toys. She's making very good progress and putting on weight nicely, having small recovery meals mixed with water, and getting the very best care she needs in a home environment with one of our lovely fosterers.

"She's still very underweight but everything is looking positive for Luna and we hope once she's fully recovered we’ll be able to find a lovely new home for her.

"We’re so grateful for the outpouring of love that people have shown and we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated towards her care."

RSPCA Inspector Deborah Beats urged anyone with information about Luna to contact the charity. She said: "The image of Luna tied to the railings is absolutely heartbreaking, she looked utterly broken and it’s abundantly clear from her condition that she hadn’t received the appropriate level of care for some time.

"The team at Dogs4Rescue have done an amazing job and she looks so much better already, but it's very important that we find out how and why Luna was left like this.

"We understand there are people who are going through difficult times, however abandoning your pet in circumstances like this is never acceptable and we’d urge people to seek help and support via their vets, local rescues and animal welfare organisations."

Anyone with first-hand information about Luna is urged to call the RSPCA’s appeals line, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 01272815.