THIS poor dog was starved and then dumped by the side of a busy Glasgow road.

The female German Shepherd Cross, named Chipsie by rescuers, was found wandering near traffic in Carmyle.

When weighed she was less than 17kgs (2st 9lb) - not even half the weight she should be.

Now Scottish SPCA officers are appealing for information to help find the cruel owners who let the dog become emaciated before dumping her.

Inspector Gillian Dick is helping to care for Chipsie, who was infested with fleas and had a severe skin problem.

She said: "She had trouble standing when she was found and we are determined to find whoever did this to her.

"We are caring for her at our Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Hamilton, where she has been eating ravenously."

Chipsie is thought to be about five years old and was found when a passer-by spotted her and called the animal charity's helpline.

In the past week, the Scottish SPCA has rescued four abandoned dogs and it says the numbers of mistreated animals is increasing.

Abandoning pets is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £20,000 and, in extreme cases, a jail sentence.

Mike Flynn, Scottish SPCA chief superintendent, says the credit crunch could be a factor in the number of animals being found abandoned.

Medical treatment for sick pets can be expensive and several of the discarded dogs have had serious illnesses.

Mr Flynn said: "In the last month we have dealt with a dog dumped in a bin bag on a roundabout; another left by a road blind and with cancer; one abandoned seriously ill in a public park; and another, which also had serious health problems, left to be knocked down by traffic on a busy road."

Anyone with information about Chipsie can call the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999999.