The RSPCA is appealing for information after the ‘thinnest dog ever seen alive’ by an RSPCA inspector was found in Lancashire.
The dog, who was named Eric by veterinary staff looking after him, was found by a member of the public on the afternoon of Saturday 2 March and was unable to stand or lift his head. 
RSPCA Inspector Nina Small, said: “He was in the yard of an empty council house on Ribblesdale Avenue, near to the cricket club and playing fields. The finder was walking his daughter back from a local park when he saw him and went back to get him.
“I have made enquiries locally, but no on recognises him. He isn’t microchipped- as is required by law- and has not been reported as a stray to the dog warden, so at the moment there is no way of tracing his owner.”
Eric is described as an unneutered male bull breed type and is white with dark brown patches. He was so thin when he was found that all the bones in his body could be seen through his fur.
Inspector Small added: “As well as being the thinnest dog I’ve ever seen alive, he had very overgrown nails and was absolutely covered in urine. His faeces had pieces of glass and metal as big as a 5 pence piece in it, and bits of batteries.
“I believe poor Eric had been confined somewhere out of sight, eating whatever he’s been able to get in his mouth – perhaps a garage or a shed. I’m especially appealing for anyone with CCTV in the area to check it and see if that throws up any information. Eric id not get into this garden on his own.”
Eric was hospitalised for a week and continues to be on a recovery diet and has put on nearly a kilo.
Inspector small says: “He’s now able to stand and can take a few steps and its looking like he’s turned. Corner, but he still has a long way to go. He’s just gone to a foster home where he is continuing to get the TLC he needs to hopefully continue to recover.”
If anyone has any information about Eric, Inspector Small asks them to contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
