An abandoned young dog with a broken leg has been found tied to a bus stop in severe pain.

The distressed male lurcher was discovered by a member of the public in Boulevard Courrieres, Aylesham, near Canterbury.

He was taken by the Dogs Trust to a local vet for treatment and is now in the care of the RSPCA.

The charity arranged surgery at its Harmsworth Animal Hospital, where the dog had an operation to mend his fractured front leg.

He is now recovering at the Leybourne Animal Centre, where staff have called him Steve the Stray.

RSPCA Inspector Grace Harris-Bridge, who is investigating his case, said: "Poor Steve was in a huge amount of pain from his broken leg and was just left alone tied to a bus stop.

"It's absolutely heartbreaking to think someone just discarded him when he was so in need of help.

"My colleagues at Harmsworth Animal Hospital have done an incredible job repairing his leg and treating him when he was understandably very scared and anxious by everything happening.

"However, happily, now he has had his operation, he’s doing very well and is actually a real sweetie.

"So many people have been involved in Steve’s recovery and we would like to thank everyone who has played a part in making sure he was brought to safety."

The charity now wants to find Steve a new owner but is keen to speak to anyone who knows who his owner was and how he came to be abandoned.

Inspector Harris-Bridge added: "I would urge anyone who has any information as to how Steve came to be left at the bus stop or who may know who owned him to call me in confidence on the RSPCA Inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing animals in need of care, visit the charity's website or call its donation line on 0300 123 8181.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

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