A starved and scarred dog has been rescued after it was dumped at the Bexley cricket ground.

The 12 year-old female German Shepherd, nicknamed Juliet, was discovered by a walker at Bexley Cricket Club in Manor Way on Wednesday (October 19).

The RSPCA confirmed her face was so swollen she couldn’t open her eyes and she was so weak she was unable to stand.

She was curled up on an isolated grass verge next to the car park.

Juliet had mange all over her body - her back was red raw and her had lost most of its fur.

Some of her scars were old and indicate some kind of dog attack.

Her condition showed severe mistreatment and she had been underfed for some time.

As soon as she was discovered she was taken to the vets and an appeal has been launched to find out what happened to Juliet.

RSPCA inspector Ellen Thomas said: “Juliet was just left on a grass verge by this secluded car park in a right old mess.

“There were multiple puncture wounds all over her body, from her ear through to her neck and jaw, and there was blood and saliva all over her - we think from other dogs as well as her.

“It looked at first as though she had given up, and we did not have much hope that she would survive.

“All her mannerisms were of defeat - it reduced me and the other two officers who found her to tears - she was such a heartbreaking sight.

“Amazingly, though, she is now making huge strides towards recovery after some food, care and TLC.

“The vets where she is being cared for are amazing and we hope she will make a good recovery so we can help find this lovely old girl a new home.”

Attempts to trace her owner through her microchip drew a blank, so the RSPCA is urging anyone with information about Juliet and how she came to be abandoned in this state to call 0300 123 8018.