An eight-week-old puppy riddled with worms has been found dumped by the side of the road in a cardboard box.

A member of the public discovered the French bulldog in Lower Road in East Farleigh, near Maidstone on Saturday night.

The lilac-coloured canine - newly named Baba Ganoush - is underweight and has a distinctive injury to her right ear.

She was not microchipped or wearing a collar when she was found, but an animal charity has been giving the pup round-the-clock care as it looks to find her a new home.

RSPCA Inspector Kirsten Ormerod is investigating the dog’s abandonment.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the member of the public who found her and took her to our centre so that we could ensure she got urgent access to specialist care and treatment,” said Ms Ormerod.

“I’m really keen to hear from anyone who knows where she’s come from or who might have bred her, or who saw anything suspicious in the Lower Road area of East Farleigh on Saturday late-afternoon to early evening.

“We don’t know if Baba was abandoned by a breeder after failing to sell or whether she was left by a new owner who took her on without realising the commitment and costs of caring for a young puppy, particularly with her struggling with worms and a possible eye condition.

Vets believe Baba may be suffering from nystagmus - a flicker or twitch of the eyes which can fade on its own but can also worsen if it’s caused by a disease that affects their balance.

Baba’s discovery comes as the RSPCA saw a multi-year record number of dog abandonments last year, with more than 16,000 deserted by their owners.

“Sadly, we’ve seen a spike in abandonments as people struggle to cope during the current cost of living crisis,” added Mr Oremerod.

“We understand that people can find themselves in difficult situations and may not be able to see a way out but we would urge anyone who is struggling to care for their pet never to abandon them, particularly in such a vulnerable state.

Baba is now being fostered while the RSPCA investigates her case. Anyone with information about her can contact the charity’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.