A FRIENDLY dog that developed a bad skin condition and lost its good looks was dumped in a car park at a beauty spot.

A man was walking his own pooch by the car park at Bulbarrow Hill, Blandford, where he found the abandoned pet wandering and took him to a vet.

The good Samaritan told the vet that he was unable to offer the abandoned dog a home but he is understood to have offered £100 towards the cost of his care.

The West Highland Terrier has not been neutered and is believed to have had a collar and tag identifying him as Barney, although the collar has since been lost in the treatment process.

The RSPCA is appealing for information from anyone who may know Barney. He was dumped on Sunday September 2.

Barney is suffering from 80 per cent hair loss as a result of a severe skin condition.

A spokeswoman said the skin condition could have been caused by a number of things such as a skin allergy or mange but it was currently unclear, as the dog's skin was so sensitive.

He is being cared for at an RSPCA animal centre where is being treated with antibiotics and daily baths, but his long term prognosis is uncertain.

RSPCA inspector Ken Snook, who is investigating, said: "This friendly dog has obviously had this skin condition for some time and it is likely that his owners chose to abandon him rather than take him to the vet's and pay to have his condition treated. Whatever the circumstances, we are very keen to trace this dog's owner, and I would urge anyone with information about who he belongs to, to get in touch."

Anyone with information on where Barney might have come from can speak to the RSPCA in the strictest confidence on 08705 555 999.