Hobo was described as being like "a walking skeleton" by RSPCA inspectors when the German shepherd was found in Little Billing, suffering from mange and overgrown nails.

Less than a month later, the charity has found a new home for him and said he was making good progress. A spokeswoman said: "The good news is that Hobo has been recovering well in the care of the PDSA in Northampton and will be going to his new foster home in Hertfordshire.

"Hobo has put on weight and will continue to receive first class care. The RSPCA investigation into Hobo's past is ongoing."

Hobo, who is aged between five and seven, was found on July 16 by a passer-by, who took him to the PDSA animal hospital in Monks Pond Street.

RSPCA inspector Claire Ryder, who is investigating the case, said at the time Hobo was found that he had probably not been a stray for very long. She said: "He must have been in agony for a long period of time. I shudder to think how someone could have been so callous as to let him get in this state. I urge anyone with information to come forward to help us find out where Hobo came from and how he came to be in such a terrible way."

Anyone with information about Hobo can call the RSPCA, confidentially, on 0300 1234 999.