A DOG abandoned in freezing temperatures in Stourport is making a good recovery and has received numerous offers of a new home.

Mario the rottweiler was found by a dog walker, tethered to some metal fencing near Stourport Marina on February 3. His bones were protruding from his body and he had muscle wastage on his hind legs which was affecting his ability to walk.

The passerby called the RSPCA and the dog was rushed in for emergency veterinary treatment.

The RSPCA says Mario is recovering well, and is due to be rehomed soon.

Inspector Boris Lasserre said: "Staff at the centre have done an amazing job in feeding him up - which had to be done progressively due to his emaciated condition.

“The concerns over his walking problems have also been resolved now that his muscle tone has also vastly improved. He looks amazing.

"He is still not quite ready for rehoming but a number of possible candidates are already being assessed by the RSPCA branch.”

Inspector Lasserre said he is still keen to trace who dumped Mario and is appealing for information.

He said: “He was in a disgusting state of neglect.

"He was grossly underweight and the prolonged lack of food has probably contributed to the horrendous diarrhoea problem he was suffering from.

“He was also very cold and, looking at how the ground was flattened where he was tied up, I believe he had been left for some time in the freezing temperatures and in the dark before he was discovered. It must have been terrifying for him.

“There is never any excuse to dump animals like rubbish and treat them so cruelly. There are plenty of animal charities in the UK ready to offer help.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.