The RSPCA would like to find the owners of a large, tan coloured dog, who appears to have been dumped under a hedge in St Albans with a pile of dry dog food and a towel.

The dog, a mastiff cross, who is larger than a labrador was found in Station Road, Smallford, extremely thin with his spine, hips and ribs all visible at around 6am on Sunday, March 2 by a passerby.

RSPCA inspector Tina Ward said: "We know from his microchip that he is called ‘Strally’ and lived in Welwyn Garden City but his owners have moved and not left a forwarding address.

"The woman who found him thought he was dying because he was howling so distressingly. He was sitting on the ground beside a cow, who was on the other side of the hedge, and refusing to move. She stayed with him for more than three hours until we could get out to him.

"I think he was just terribly distressed, confused and lonely. He had very sore pads to his feet which showed he must have been running around trying to make sense of the situation. I think he stopped by the cow for company and then just refused to go anywhere else.

"He was checked over by a vet and apart from being very thin and out of condition, he was bright and everyone who has handled him, from the police to the vets and ourselves, agree that he is an extremely lovely, friendly chap."

Strally was left with a pile of dry dog food poured on the ground and a black towel. He is now in the care of the RSPCA.

People with information are asked to contact 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for inspector Ward.