A STOWAWAY dog has been found living rough in a Taunton car park - after hitching a lift 1,300 miles from Spain.

Angel, a ten-year-old boxer, is thought to have entered the country illegally on the back of a lorry from Malaga.

After an incredible journey which would have taken in Spain, France and then southern England, Angel was finally discovered emaciated and dishevelled in the B&Q car park on July 13.

Staff at the RSPCA in West Hatch discovered a microchip under her skin linking her to the Costa del Sol city, but attempts to contact her owners has so far proved unsuccessful.

Animal welfare officer Helen Gloyn said: “Angel may have been here for some time and been imported into the country in compliance with all the legislation.

“However, in the absence of that information, we have to consider Angel may have come in on a lorry from Europe or further afield.”

Somerset County Council's animal health and welfare team has a duty to make sure any animals suspected of coming into the county are either placed in quarantine, deported or destroyed to fall in line with current rabies laws.

But luckily for Angel, the South Western Boxer Club decided to take her in, and will look after her until she can be reunited with her rightful owner or re-homed.

Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew, Somerset County Council's cabinet member for environment, said: “When Angel was found she was in poor condition and malnourished.

“It is to the credit of all organisations involved and the successful partnership working that Angel is now on the road to recovery.”