AN investigation has been launched by the RSPCA in a bid to trace callous individuals who dumped a dog in the New Forest and left it to die.

When it was found by a horse rider at Holmsley Passage, near Burley, the Briard - a breed of French sheepdog - was in such poor condition that it had to be put down.

The rider who found the emaciated animal contacted the RSPCA and a Forestry Commission officer took it to a vet.

An RSPCA spokeswoman explained that its fur was so badly matted and tangled over its face that it could not see properly, its claws were overgrown and, at 18 kilogrammes, it was only half the normal weight for its breed.

As an appeal was launched for anyone with information to contact the RSPCA's information and advice line, the society's local inspector, Jo Storey said: "It's unbelievable that someone has just stood by and watched their pet deteriorate to such a dreadful condition over a period of weeks, if not months.

"He was not a particularly common breed of dog and we appeal to anyone who may know who owned him to come forward."

The most likely explanation, she said, was that someone drove to the New Forest and dumped him.

"He was found near a footpath which is commonly used by walkers and riders, so he was probably not there for long prior to discovery.

"I think it's unlikely that he was a stray, because had he been wandering the streets in that condition, someone would have helped him," she added.

Briards are similar in appearance to Old English sheepdogs, but are smaller and more slender. They were used in France for herding stock and guarding against wolves.