A SEVERELY-ill puppy was thrown over an eight-foot locked gate by cruel people who fled in a car as the creature screamed in pain.

And when RSPCA staff went to pick up the terrified creature her skin bled as soon as she was touched.

Ten-month-old Macy, a lurcher-Saluki cross, was dumped at the animal charity's Ashley Heath centre shortly after 10.30pm on Sunday.

She is suffering from demodectic mange - an aggressive burrowing mite - and has lost more than three-quarters of her body hair.

There's a little bit left on her head, down her spine and on her tail and her hind feet are really swollen - poor little Macy looks bit like a rhino.

She's going to need months of treatment to get her fur growing back.

RSPCA spokeswoman Lucy Harding told the Echo: "This poor dog was in an appalling state when she was thrown over the security gate of RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre.

"She must have been suffering terribly for some time and although we hope that she will make a full recovery, the process is likely to be slow.

"It is disgusting that someone would leave a dog to get to this state and highlights the fact that owning a pet is a lifelong responsibility and people should think carefully before they decide to have any animal.

"People should be certain that they can care for that animal for the rest of its life before making such a commitment."

The incident comes just eight days after a litter of five sick puppies was abandoned in Hampreston during the height of the heatwave - two of them have since died.

Anyone with information about this dog should contact the RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty and advice line - in confidence - on 08705 555 999.