AN animal lover was left distraught after finding what appeared to be a pet reptile dead in the street and in a shocking state.

The bearded dragon is believed to have been neglected but it is not yet clear exactly what injuries it had sustained.

The finder took to Facebook to reveal the bearded dragon had been found in Carlisle Way, in Basildon, but it was unclear whether it was dead or alive.

In response, a woman who the Echo has agreed not to be named, arrived at the scene in a bid to help.

She said: “After speaking with the woman who posted on Facebook, I said I would come down to Carlisle Way to which I found the pitiful state of that dragon lying next to a wall.

“At first we couldn’t be sure it was dead so we took him home to check him out.

“He was emaciated beyond comprehension; you could pinch his skin together.

“He had severe deformities, mouth lesions, no muscle definition at all, missing the majority of his tail and one of his feet - a complete state.”

She added: “His tongue was still pink and couldn’t have been dead for long as there was no horrendous smell that comes with death.

“I called the RSPCA to have him logged but because there’s no owner they won’t pursue it any further.”

The woman added: “We took the decision to bury him in our garden to give him some sort of dignified burial.

“It’s completely and utterly heartbreaking to see such a wonderful little creature clearly suffer.

“A lot of people have suggested he escaped but given our recent temperatures, he would not have survived out there for very long.

“There’s no excuse.”

A spokesperson for the RSPCA confirmed reports had been made to the organisation.

He added: “We are saddened to hear that a bearded dragon has been found dead.

“We urge anyone who may have any information regarding this, including who may have owned the animal, to contact our RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”