Staff at Wood Green Animal Shelters in Godmanchester were shocked to find the extremely emaciated Lurcher outside their exit gates at 7am.

The two to three-year-old dog was found shut in a tiny tea chest.

At first staff thought it was a puppy but on further inspection it was found to be a small lurcher.

Charlotte, as she has been named, was also frightened and so poorly she can hardly stand. She was also completely covered in fleas.

Staff at the shelter immediately put her on a drip and found that she has a heart murmur. They are now running further tests on her to assess her condition fully.

The animal welfare charity is appealing for witnesses who may have seen someone leave the box at the shelter, either during the early hours of this morning or last night.

Sue Ketland, who is part of the animal welfare management team at the shelter said: "Charlotte is in a terrible condition, it is one of the worst cases of neglect I have seen since I have been here at Wood Green.

"She is very lucky she was found when she was, I dread to think how long she had been in the box and for how long she has been suffering considering the state that she is in."

If anyone has any information about Charlotte please contact Wood Green Animal Shelters on 08701 90 40 90.

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