The hunt is on for the owners of a blind bull terrier who was found dumped on a heath and riddled with illnesses which vets branded 'horrific'.

The dog, believed to be aged around 13 and named 'Violet' by its foster owner, was found tied to a fence on a heath in Thetford on October 15.

After a week in a private kennel in the Bury St Edmunds area, Violet was taken straight to Cedarwood Vets in Stowmarket by foster owner Annie Jordan on Friday, where she was put down.

A clinical report from the vets lists a string of severe illnesses.

Violet, who was blind, was suffering from severe conjunctivitis, plaque and gingivitis - described as 'horrific' - and a large tooth root abscess the size of a tennis ball.

She was also carrying a string of tumours, some the size of a 'small fist', on her back, tail and head. Her nails were growing into her pads and she had severe incontinence.

Vets described her as being 'distressed and uncomfortable'.

Violet was later put down after consent was gained.

Ms Jordan, who lives in Bacton, near Stowmarket, said she had worked around dogs 'for many years' and Violet was in the worst condition she had ever seen.

'She was in a horrendous condition - we are talking years of abuse.

'I've worked in rescue kennels and fostered dogs down the years, and she was the worst I've ever seen,' she said.

Violet did not have a tag and was not microchipped, and Ms Jordan said she would now like to see the owner found.

'There's no excuse for it, ever. Even if the owner was elderly, there's enough help out there now, and you don't just dump her,' she said.

Cedarwood Vets confirmed Violet was in 'a very poor condition' and that she was euthanized as agreed by Ms Jordan and 365 Bull Terrier Rescue, which found the dog.