A dog was found “abandoned” and in poor health at a Bolton country park, sparking an immediate investigation.

The RSPCA say that the elderly Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or “Staffie”, was found by wandering on a field near a car park at Moses Gate Country Park by a member of the public on Sunday July 21.

The dog was microchipped but so far, the RSPCA have not been able to find his owners, leading them to believe he had been abandoned there while in poor health.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Jess Pierce said: “This poor dog was found in a great deal of pain. There is a large tumour between his front legs, and it was ulcerated and bleeding. 

“He has been microchipped and the name on the chip is TJ.

The dog was found in very poor healthThe dog was found in very poor health (Image: RSPCA)

“We haven’t been able to trace his owner so we are hoping someone may have some information about him and the circumstances which led to him being abandoned.”

The dog, who is believed to be around 12 years old, was found at the Moses Gate Country Park carpark close to the River Croal.

He was wearing a blue and white coat and as well as the tumour was found to have had overgrown nails.

An investigation is underwayAn investigation is underway (Image: RSPCA)

After receiving treatment at a Bolton-based vets, the dog has been transferred into the care of a rescue in Greater Manchester.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Pierce said: “There is no way his condition would not have been noticed and he was in extreme pain, which is now being managed.

ALSO READ: Probe underway as dead dog found hanging by neck off country road

ALSO READ: RSPCA hunt owner of muzzled XL bully thrown to death

ALSO READ: Starved dog found with plastic bag and acrylic nail in his stomach

“The owner may have been in denial and just left things to get worse, but it is inexcusable to abandon an animal in this way.

“The dog has been driven to the country park to be left there as he would physically not have been capable of walking there by himself.”

The RSPCA have now appealed to members of the public to come forward with information about how the dog came to be in this condition and how he was left at Moses Gate.

Anyone with any information can call the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018.