A 25-year-old American man has been found alive after vanishing without a trace while walking his dogs eight years ago.

Rudolph “Rudy” Farias IV was reported missing after his two dogs returned from a walk without him in Houston, Texas state, on 6th March 2015.

A search was launched but was called off exactly one week later after failing to locate the missing 17-year-old.

On 2nd July this year, the Texan authorities confirmed that Rudy had been found alive.

His mother told local media that someone had called the emergency services after finding him unresponsive outside a church.

She added that he was found covered in cuts and bruises and had blood in his hair, possibly from being beaten up.

He was taken to hospital and was last reported to be recovering, despite only saying a few words.

In 2015, prior to his disappearance, Rudy had been diagnosed with depression, PTSD, and anxiety.

He had stopped taking his prescription medication at the time he went missing.

The Texas Center for the Missing tweeted on 2nd July: “After 8 long years, Rudy has been located safe.

“Please continue to keep his family in your prayers as Rudy recovers in the hospital.”