A DOG that was thrown over a wall while suffering from a severe infection has died despite the RSPCA's desperate attempts to save her.

Molly, a four-year-old crossbreed terrier, was covered in blood and "very unwell" when she was dumped in a garden at Day's Court in Wimborne last weekend.

Now the RSPCA is appealing for help in tracing the woman who abandoned her "on the verge of death" on Sunday August 23.

A resident in Day's Court saw the woman dump the dog in the garden before running off and driving away in a van.

Following the initial discovery the charity was inundated with offers of homes for the little dog.

Molly was given emergency treatment for a "severely infected womb", but a spokeswoman has since confirmed that she died.

She said she was "really sad" to give the news and that although they "tried really hard to save her, unfortunately she was very unwell and had to be put to sleep on veterinary advice."

When Molly was found, RSPCA inspector Graham Hammond said: "When I arrived I saw this sad-looking, very pretty terrier who was in quite a bad way. She was weak and covered in blood and had to be taken to the vets immediately.

"This is just a really sad situation because if she would have only had treatment for the infection earlier, or if she had just been spayed like we always encourage people to do, then she would not be in this critical condition."

Anyone with information about the incident can contact the RSPCA's inspectorate appeal line in confidence on 0300 123 8018.