The RSPCA is investigating after an emaciated dog was found collapsed in a busy road.

The female tan lurcher, now named Snoopy, was at first mistaken for a pile of rags when a passerby spotted her in Woolley Road, Senacre, and rushed her to a vet.

Snoopy was discovered last Thursday night and is now recovering at Leybourne Animal Centre.

Rosie Russon, an RSPCA inspector, said: “The people who found her said they at first mistook her for a pile of rags, she was so still, and they had to swerve to miss her.

“Thankfully they realised in time and kindly rescued her and took her to a nearby vet who called us the next day.

“She is extremely thin - almost skin and bones - and weighing just ten kilos rather than the 16 kilos which would have been a healthy weight for her size.

“No medical condition has been found so this emaciation seems to be due to not being fed. She also had injuries to her tail which are consistent with being caged in an enclosed space.

“She is very young - we think less than two years old - and has clearly had a very sad start in life - but she is regardless such a sweet, friendly little thing. She seems to making a good recovery, although there is always a danger of organ failure in dogs so we are keeping a close eye on her.”

Anyone with any information about how Snoopy ended up on the side of the road should call 0300 123 8018.