A 10-week-old lurcher puppy was found dead after it had been dumped outside a vet practice.

The RSPCA has launched an investigation after the dog’s body was discovered on the steps of Kingsnorth Veterinary Centre, in Ashford, on Tuesday.

The white lurcher-type did not have a microchip and no items were left with him.

Animal rescue officer at the RSPCA Emily Hoad is investigating. She said: “This poor puppy was abandoned at some point overnight.

“This would have been a very traumatic and sad end for this poor puppy if he was still alive when left, without any comfort, in the freezing cold.

“It is never acceptable to abandon unwanted pets, and especially not extremely vulnerable young puppies on cold winter evenings.

“We understand people are struggling with the cost of living but urge pet owners to seek help before resorting to such cruel behaviour.”

There was no CCTV of the incident in Ashford Road.

“It is never acceptable to abandon unwanted pets...”

The RSPCA is appealing for the public to get in touch if they saw anyone with a puppy in the area at the time or knows someone who had a white lurcher puppy and no longer has one.

Anyone with information, is asked to contact its inspectorate line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 1193449.

It comes as the animal welfare charity reports a three-year rise of abandonments with 17,838 reports made across England and Wales up to the end of October this year. The number is expected to reach 21,417 by the end of year.

This compares with 16,118 reports during 2020 and would be higher than reports received in 2021 (17,179) and 2022 (19,645).