STAFF at a leading animal rescue charity were shocked by the condition of one of their latest stray dogs.

A member of the public dropped off a sad looking lurcher at Margaret Green Animal Rescue’s Lincoln Farm dog rescue and re-homing centre, and it was clear the animal was suffering from a painful skin condition.

Vets working with the centre near Blandford, which deals with, on average, at least one new stray dog every day, confirmed the lurcher had mange.

The dog, later named Tickle by staff, had less than a third of his fur and his itchy skin had become inflamed and infected.

Lincoln Farm is working to raise funds to equip a new on-site stray vet clinic, enabling strays like Tickle to receive health checks and important vaccinations within 48 hours of arriving.

Call 01929 480 474 or visit margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk to donate.