Oakham Veterinary Hospital is urgently trying to trace the owner of a terminally-ill British bulldog being cared for at the surgery.

Nine-year-old Mercy was found at Wakerley Woods, in Barrowden, and she was taken to the Oakham vet practice.

Mercy is riddled with cancerous masses which are affecting her breathing.

A spokesman from the Ashwell Road surgery told Oakham Nub News this evening (Fri): "Mercy was found lying in the middle of nowhere. She is very, very poorly.

"She's a lovely dog and is currently snuggled up in a duvet in a kennel and receiving palliative care.

"Unfortunately, although she is microchipped, we have not been able to contact an owner - two mobile phone numbers are unobtainable and an email sent to an address in North Yorkshire bounced back.

"The vet has said, in all honesty, it would be kindest to put her to sleep as she is suffering.

"But we are trying everything possible to contact her owner as it should be their decision.

"We are keeping her comfortable in the meantime."

Mercy's owner, or anyone with information about her owner, should contact Oakham Veterinary Hospital on 01572 722646.