A PAIR of lurcher cross dogs who were rescued by the RSPCA after they were found to be suffering with a bad skin condition caused by fleas are being featured on TV.

The pair, from Hartlepool, were featured on tonights 'The Dog Rescuers' on Channel Five. Bruce and Daisy the lurchers who were signed over into the care of the RSPCA when their owner could no longer look after them.

When Inspector Clare Wilson arrived to collect the dogs - believed to be aged around four - and take them for a vet check-up she found they were balding due to a skin condition caused by fleas.

She also found that Daisy, the female of the pair, had only recently given birth to pups and needed treatment to prevent mastitis.

Both dogs had been left home alone at the property. They had been left to fend for themselves for most of the day.

The owner agreed to sign them both over into the care of the RSPCA so they could be treated for their skin conditions and found loving new homes.

Mrs Wilson said: “It is good that we have managed to resolve it quite quickly. It is not good for the dogs that someone is living away from them and just attending once a day. I don't know what would’ve happened to the dogs if we hadn't got them signed over.

“These poor dogs had balding patches all over their behinds and backs, and had obviously been in a lot of discomfort with itchy skin. The vets also treated Daisy so she did not contract an infection in her mammary glands either. I was so glad we were able to help them and glad we were called when we were so that the situation did not get worse.”

Both dogs were treated for the skin issues and were thriving in RSPCA care.

Comedian Alan Davies hosts the brand new series of The Dog Rescuers. The show follows RSPCA officers as they are out on the road saving dogs from cruelty and neglect.

A new series of 'The Dog Rescuers' starts tonight at 7pm.