A neglected five-year-old springer spaniel who has recently had puppies and was probably used by gangs for breeding - was dumped in a Kent village.

Delilah was found in a "terrible condition" yesterday evening in School Lane, Iwade, after she jumped into a waiting car which was parked with its door open.

She was collected by the council's dog warden who was contacted by the driver and was found to still be producing milk and have a prolapsed uterus.

Swale council is now urging anyone with information about Delilah to come forward as she is unchipped and nothing is known about her or her owner.

It said: "If Delilah has been used for illegal breeding, the safety of the puppies she is now separated from are a concern.

"As soon as Delilah needed medical attention she was of no use and has been discarded. She is also suffering from a double ear infection, badly cared for teeth and an infestation of worms.

"The desire for people to get a pet dog has increased in the past year as everybody spends more time at home, but this has also pushed up the level of crime and neglect of animals as criminals rush to trade in puppies."

'Dogs suffering like Delilah can be the result of inadvertently funding the criminally run puppy trade...'

The local authority said in Delilah's case it appears she was stolen by a gang and used for breeding before being discarded.

A spokesman added: "Thankfully she is in a safe place now, is recovering well from emergency surgery and will be cared for at a foster home.

"Dogs suffering like Delilah can be the result of inadvertently funding the criminally run puppy trade that neglects many female dogs who are continuously pregnant.

"Not only is it the breeding dogs that are neglected, but the puppies are likely to be poorly cared for and removed from their mother too early leaving their new owner with potential future vet’s bills."

If anyone has any information about Delilah or her owners call 01795 417850.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

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