An abandoned Old English Sheepdog, pictured, had to be given a general anaesthetic before vets could shave off its matted and stinking coat.

Terry Singh, head of Bradford Council's dog warden service, said the dog, nicknamed Rags, was "the worst case of neglect" he had come across in his 23-year career.

Mr Singh said he had linked up with the RSPCA in a bid to track down the dog's owner.

Today Rags was recovering from his ordeal in Bradford Council-owned kennels after his traumatic operation to shave off his flea-infested coat.

A member of the public alerted the Council's dog warden service after she spotted Rags in a distressed state outside her home close to the city centre.

Once dog wardens captured the friendly animal, they found his long, black and white fur was matted into solid blocks caked with filth and dog excrement.

Parts of his body were also riddled with mange.

Mr Singh said he believed Rags may have been deliberately abandoned by his owner after his condition had steadily deteriorated.

An RSPCA officer inspected the dog yesterday and took photographs as evidence for any future prosecution.

Mr Singh said: "In 23 years as the dog warden manager this is worst case of neglect I've come across.

"From the state of Rags' coat, it looks like he's been locked up somewhere over a period of months, if not longer.

"This dog appears to be quite good-natured, but because of his condition and the pain and agitation of his coat he has become quite snappy.

"I would appeal to anyone who has seen this dog locked up in a garden or yard or who knows his owner to call the Dog Warden Service on (01274) 753927."

Dog warden Pat Harwood added: "In this day and age there is no excuse for letting an animal get into this state."

Rags was found on Monday morning in Brookfield Road near Barkerend Roundabout.

RSPCA spokesman Heather Holmes said: "Rags will be examined by a vet who will help us decide if we can bring a prosecution."