A dog ''left for dead'' with cropped ears and a docked tail has had to be put down.

An investigation is under way into what has been described as a "horrifying incident" after the pooch from Darenth was found abandoned.

Animal Welfare Investigations Project (AWIP) is appealing for information about the Cane Corso-type dog.

The organisation specialises in investigating serious and organised animal cruelty using covert investigations.

It explained that the dog was subject to cruelty and suffering prior to its abandonment, including the cropping of its ears and the docking of its tail.

The incident happened on Sunday, November 27, when a member of the public found the dog having been ''left for dead''.

Unfortunately, the dog was deemed to be suffering to such an extent that it was in its best interests to be humanely euthanised.

Jacob Lloyd, from AWIP, said: “We are really concerned to hear about this incident and what happened to this poor dog.

"We are grateful to members of the public who reported this to us.

"We have arranged for the dog to be examined by a forensic veterinary pathologist to enable us to determine the extent of the injuries.

"We would appeal to anyone who may know who was involved in this incident or has any information to contact us on info@awip.org.uk or by telephone on 020 8895 6695."

The discovery is the latest in a series of dogs being abandoned in the county in the last few months.

Two cockapoo puppies were found crammed inside a food waste bin at Leybourne Lakes Country Park, with a third sadly dying.

Seven Labrador puppies were also rescued after being dumped in a crate next to the A249.

It comes as the RSPCA is begging people not to abandon their pets this Christmas.

The charity fears a winter crisis fuelled by cost of living pressures will leave homes struggling to hold onto their animals.