STARVED: The dog rescued just days from death in the New Forest, along with a Jack Russell

The severely emaciated Lurcher was found hungry, exhausted and flea-ridden wandering the streets in Bransgore, along with a stray Jack Russell.

Now the RSPCA has launched a probe to track down the animals’ owners and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

It comes just weeks after nine poodles were found cruelly dumped in countryside near Winchester in conditions that shocked the world.

The animals were unable to see or stand and had filthy coasts of fur gluing their eyes together and leaving one with a curved spine.

Millions of people offered sympathy after a mass campaign by the Daily Echo to hunt down the owners and raise money for the RSPCA.

The skeletal Lurcher and the Jack Russell were found straying in a wooded area near Burnt House Lane.

Neither of the dogs were microchipped nor wearing a collar and tag and it is not known if they were previously together or found each other while straying.

RSPCA Inspector Patrick Bailey said: “I have come across some pretty poorly dogs in my time as an inspector but I can safely say there have been few that have been as thin as this poor Lurcher.

“She was completely emaciated and looked to be just skin stretched over bone.

“She had fur loss from her shoulders down and was absolutely covered in fleas. Her claws were long and overgrown.

“From her body condition, I really don’t think she had many days left had she not been found.”

After some initial enquiries, an anonymous caller has come forward with some information about the dogs and inspectors are now urging this person to get in contact again.

They are also appealing for the owner or owners of the duo to come forward so they can be reunited.

Mr Bailey added: “We don’t know how long these dogs have been straying and we don’t know how they got here or where they came from.”

“It is possible that these dogs had been straying independently before joining up to form this mismatched pair and it could be that the Lurcher has been fending for herself for quite some time to arrive in this poor condition.

“However she is extremely affectionate enjoys fuss and attention and seems very keen to be around people.

“She has clearly been socialised and I cannot rule out the possibility that she has been neglected before straying or possibly even being dumped.”

Anyone with information about the dogs is urged to contact the RSPCA Inspector Appeal Line on 0300 123 8018.