A dog so starved that his ribs could be seen has been found near a school in Ramsgate.

Hundreds have taken to social media condemning acts of animal cruelty after seeing pictures of the dog, which TAG staff have named Buster, in an emaciated condition.

TAG staff have named the Staffordshire bull terrier "Buster" who is thought to be between 6 and 7 years of age.

He was examined by a vet at Pets at Home on Sunday who confirmed that he had been neglected for months.

Buster was found near Dame Janet Primary Academy in Newington Road and taken into Thanet Animal Group (TAG) Pet Rescue on Saturday.

TAG founder Debbie Channing has been in contact with the RSPCA and is working to find out who was responsible for the dog.

She said: "Poor emaciated little Buster was handed into our care just three days into the New Year.

"Our of our TAG dog team received a call from a Samaritan who said she had just taken the little emaciated skeletal wreck of a dog from a woman who had just posted on a social network site that she had found the dog straying near the school in Ramsgate."

"If you think you know who owned him then please contact TAG."

The Facebook post received comments of support for Buster and anger towards the people who neglected him.

Julie Priddle said: “Saw the pics and cried, absolutely heartbreaking. Well done to the person who found him. Hope he makes a full recovery.”

Lynn Shaw said: “That’s absolutely shameful and inexcusable. Get well soon Buster and good luck in finding your home.”