A “skeletal” dog believed to have been locked indoors and starved was found dumped in the streets of Sutton.

A member of the public brought the four-year-old Mongrel into Battersea Dogs and Cats Home where staff found he was not microchipped but appeared well trained and did not look like he was on the streets for long.

Staff at the centre, who named the “sweet-natured” canine Stewart, believe he was probably kept indoors and deliberately starved.

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Stewart was so weak when he arrived, he had to be put in isolation for fear he might catch an infection which would have been detrimental to his health.

Battersea’s director of Veterinary Services, Shaun Opperman, said: “We were all shocked when we first saw Stewart. He’s painfully thin and if he hadn’t come to us when he did, there’s no telling what might have happened to him.

“His claws were overgrown and his coat was in good condition, so it’s unlikely he’s been fending for himself for long.

“He’s on a rigorous feeding regime now as he’s so hungry and we need to make sure he’s getting enough nutrients.

“Despite what he’s been through, Stewart is a sweet and trusting dog. Now we have to hope he pulls through.”

Stewart arrived around the same time Battersea Dogs and Cats reaffirmed its commitment to its campaign for harsher sentences for animal abusers.

Currently, the maximum prison sentence is six months no matter what the crime.

The centre is calling on the public to contact their MP and call for tougher sentences.

Nearly 8,000 people have signed up to show their support. Go here to join.