Two dogs believed to have experienced “chronic and prolonged neglect for months” were found abandoned and “almost bald” in a country lane.

The male poodle and female chocolate Labrador were discovered on Saturday (July 15) in Hogbarn Lane, Harrietsham.

The pair were taken to a vet by members of the public where it was confirmed the dogs, who are both about nine, were emaciated – meaning they were abnormally thin.

They were also suffering from severe mange and poor dental health.

Both were microchipped, however the owner’s contact details were out of date.

It is believed the male is called William and the female is named Poppy.

William is almost blind and Poppy struggles to walk, so the RSPCA believes they strayed from a nearby location or were dumped from a vehicle.

RSPCA inspector Kirsten Ormerod is now investigating and is appealing to anyone with information about the dogs to come forward.

She said: “The state these two dogs are in is absolutely appalling – almost entirely bald from severe mange.

“They are in a very bad way indeed and have clearly been through trauma as they are both extremely withdrawn and depressed.

“The vet predicts they have experienced chronic and prolonged neglect for months, if not longer, so I am very keen to hear from anybody who recognises them or has any information about how they came to be in this terrible condition, and left on the quiet lane.”

The RSPCA believes Poppy has been used for breeding as she has extremely enlarged and worn teats with infected sores.

She also has “very worn” teeth, believed to be caused by her chewing the bars of a kennel.

Both dogs are receiving extensive treatment at the vets and will be cared for in a foster home while investigations continue.

Kirsten said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to the members of the public who found these dogs and took them straight to a vet so we could then be contacted to investigate.

“They’ve no doubt saved their lives and it’s heartwarming to know that there are animal lovers out there who care so much.

“Their discovery is another reason why the RSPCA has recently launched our Cancel Out Cruelty campaign – raising vital funds to support our frontline rescuers help animals like William and Poppy.”

Anyone with any information can contact Kirsten on 0300 123 8018.