There was a widespread outpouring of sadness and anger among News & Star readers at the news a severely malnourished dog could not be saved after being discovered in a Carlisle park.

The RSPCA has now launched an investigation after vets concluded the female lurcher had to be put down following a continued deterioration of her condition.

She was discovered in Heysham Park by a member of the public earlier this month, who alerted the RSPCA. She was rushed to a nearby vet, but unfortunately her condition could not be improved.

The story provoked widespread anger among readers.

Paul Bradberry wrote that the news made his "blood boil".

"All an animal asks is to be taken care of and loved," he wrote.

Liz Paris commented that the story was "absolutely heartbreaking".

"This is why I prefer animals to humans. Only humans can cause this sort of cruelty."

Mike Armstrong said he was nearly brought to tears by the sight of the dog.

"Someone must know who's caused this. Truly shocking"

Tina Groves questioned why anyone would abandon an animal, when there are organisations that can be contacted when an owner no longer wishes to or is capable of looking after an animal.

"Poor thing. Hope they catch up with the owner and deal with them cruel devil," she wrote.

Jessica Oliphant agreed that there is no call for an animal to be abandoned, or allowed to reach such a state of suffering.

"Why do people have animals if they won't take care of them?" she wrote.

"Just surrender them to a local shelter if you can't take care of them, it's simple.

"There's enough suffering in the world without purposely causing suffering to innocent animals."

Mieke Tennant Groenewegen expressed sympathy for the dog, and wondered whether there was possibly an alternative explanation.

"Is it certain the dog was abandoned and not lost? Could it be she was a scared or shy dog, maybe trying to avoid humans?

"I know people can be unimaginably cruel, but just maybe there's another explanation?"