A starving dog so thin its bones were sticking through the skin has been dumped in a Kent road.

Charity workers from the RSPCA are appealing for information after the male lurcher - named Reuben by RSPCA staff - was left for dead in Church Road, Hartley at around 4pm on Sunday.

He weighed half the normal body weight for a dog of his size and was suffering from a skin condition.

He was so thin his bones had broken through his skin and he was suffering from fur loss.

"this is the thinnest dog i've ever seen
… " – christine dooley, leybourne centre manager

Now Reuben is recovering at the RSPCA Leybourne animal centre near West Malling.

Centre manager Christine Dooley said: "This is the thinnest dog I've ever seen.

"After two days in our care he weighed just 8kg.

"The vet has told us that it will cost around £1,000 to treat him and we are appealing to the public for help with this."

RSPCA inspector Jo Barber said: "This poor dog was simply abandoned in this dreadful state. We would like to hear from anyone who knows who he belonged to and who dumped him."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 03001234999.

Anyone who would like to make a donation towards Reuben's care can send it to the Friends of RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre, Castle Way, West Malling, ME19 5HW.