THE RSPCA is trying to track down the owner of a young dog found limping down a country lane on a cold afternoon.

Star, who is under a year old, was in a terrible condition with severe mange between her toes making it difficult for her to walk.

She was discovered by a member of the public in the lane between Curry Mallet and Isle Brewers on Saturday, January 30.

Star went straight up to her finder and was obviously friendly and used to people.

They noticed her walking in a funny way and felt so sorry for her they took her in overnight until the dog warden collected her the following day and took her to nearby kennels.

At the kennels, staff noticed she had terrible mange and her skin was raw and sore and called in the RSPCA, who have since launched an investigation and homed her temporarily at its West Hatch centre.

RSPCA inspector John Pollock, who is leading the investigation, said: “Poor Star was found very skinny and unkempt with skin so red raw and riddled with mange.

"The mange was that bad that it was even between her toes and she could barely walk.

"She is now thankfully being treated and cared for by the staff at our animal centre, but leaving an animal to suffer like this is just unacceptable.

“When she was found she was wearing a really distinctive greyish brown webbed collar.

"We are hoping that this might trigger people's memories and will help us get to the bottom of exactly what has happened here.

“We are urgently appealing to anyone who might recognise or know anything about Star - where she came from, who her owner is, or how she came to be dumped on that lane.

"All calls to us are treated in the strictest of confidence.

“Star is recovering well and really lives up to her name as she has put a twinkle in everyone’s eye at the centre.

"I hope she will soon find the loving home a true superstar like her deserves.”

Anyone with more information is being urged to contact inspector Pollock on the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300-1238018.

Star will be available for re-homing from the RSPCA’s West Hatch animal centre once the investigation has finished.

She is described as having a very sweet, loving nature and would make a great addition to the right home.