A fundraiser has been started to help a starved dog found covered in tar and with both his back legs broken.

Brewster was found straying in woods alongside train tracks in Croydon at half his body weight.

After a week at the vets, undergoing intensive care, tar removal under general anaesthetic and X-rays on his legs, Brewster is now in a foster home to gain weight where his foster mum says he is making good progress.

“Brewster is slowly coming out of his shell," his foster mum Gail Arnold said.

"He has been depressed and quiet, but in spite of all he has been through, he is calm and very sweet natured, a really lovely dog.”

But despite this, he still has a long road to recovery.

When he was first found he was taken up north to Ravenswood Pet Rescue in Cambridgeshire.

The rescue centre's founder, Caroline Trigg says the 18-month-old will need two operations, which won't come cheap.

“He has his whole life ahead of him, which will certainly be worth living, unlike his recent months," she said.

“We have no idea how this beautiful boy ended up like this, despite all he has been through this gorgeous lad has the most amazing nature, very gentle and kind.

“Unfortunately his X-rays revealed infections in his joints, and breaks which have healed badly.

“After being examined by a top orthopaedic surgeon, he feels the best thing for Brewster is to have the joints fused, as they are too old to be re-set now.

“It will be a good few weeks before he can have the first operation due to his poor condition. For the time being he is being kept comfortable while we build up his weight and his strength.”

The cost of the two operations and his medication will be more than £2,500.

Why he was found straying remain a mystery as he is an English Setter and is on the rare breeds list.

To help Brewster in his recovery, you can visit the GoFundeMe page here.