Shocking dashcam footage shows two dogs being dragged by the side of a car on a main road.

It was captured in Darenth Park Avenue in Dartford, near Darent Valley Hospital, just before 3.30pm on Tuesday (January 7).

The video shows two dogs on either side of a grey Toyota RAV4, attached to leads on the vehicle.

Both dogs, which appear to be sighthound breeds, could be seen running alongside the car to keep up with it.

The witness said he had “seen the driver before” and reported the incident to the police.

Another person captured a picture of the dogs in Darenth Wood Road at around 3.20pm, saying the animals were “being made to run tied to the wing mirrors”.

The picture was shared on Facebook, with the post receiving more than 100 comments from concerned residents.

One person wrote: “That’s one of the worst things I’ve ever seen, how cruel.”

Another added: “What a disgusting thing to do they must be terrified.”

However, several people defended the driver, with one person saying: “Nothing wrong here these dogs need lots of exercise.

“They are bred to chase rabbits around a field to protect farmer’s crops from damage so they need to build up their muscles.

“Also let’s not forget greyhound racing has been a sport for many years.”

Police have confirmed they were called at 5.15pm to “a report that vehicles were being used to make dogs run alongside them”.

Officers attended and searches were carried out but the vehicles and dogs were not located.

They notified the RSPCA who they say will be leading and investigating any allegations of animal cruelty.

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that when inside a vehicle, dogs or other animals must be suitably restrained.

This can be done by using a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard.

Dogs can also legally be transported in a car trailer, but they need to be safe and properly restrained.

However, there is no specific law relating to dogs being tied to moving vehicles in the UK.

The founder and boss of Lord Whisky Animal Sanctuary, based in Stelling Minnis, says the act was “dangerous” for the pet.

Margaret Todd told KentOnline she had “never heard of a case like this before” and that the driver “clearly had not thought it through”.

She said: “I can’t understand why someone would do something like this. The dog should be protected at all times.

“The dog could get hit by another car or bike as they were going past, so it is a dangerous thing to do.”

The RSPCA has confirmed the incident has been reported to them.

In statement the animal charity said: “We would strongly advise owners not to exercise their dogs in this way as there are obvious risks and they can easily become distressed.

“There are also real dangers posed to other road users and because of that we urged those reporting this incident to contact Kent Police.”