The RSPCA is appealing for information after a shivering, undernourished dog was found dumped down a rural lane.

They were called by a concerned member of the public on Saturday after they saw a silver hatchback car slowly go up the drive to a farm on Kiln Barn Road in East Malling in Kent, then drive off at speed.

As they went closer they saw a thin lurcher tied to the fence.

The dog, named Peaches, is about four to six years old and has now been taken into RSPCA care.

RSPCA inspector Vicky Dawe said: “This poor little thing was just dumped on this back road and was incredibly forlorn when she was found. The people who found her said she was looking longingly after the car which had just sped off without her.

“They thought it was someone fly-tipping at first so went over to have a look and spotted this lovely little animal instead.

“It is a good job they did as it would have been easy to miss her in this very rural spot. It would have been incredibly miserable for her to have been stuck there and who knows if she would have survived.

“We urge anyone who knows how she came to be here to let us know on 0300 123 8018.”

Peaches is now being cared for at the RSPCA’s Leybourne Animal Centre and is described as an incredibly friendly dog with with a very lively, waggy tail.

It is hoped she will be ready for rehoming in a couple of weeks. Anyone interested should call 0300 123 0751.

To help the RSPCA investigate cases like this text HELP to 78866 to give £3.