A bearded dragon called Stumpy has been found dumped with rubbish.

The abandoned pet was discovered in a bright orange Nike shoebox next to the bins in Kenilworth Court, Sittingbourne.

The RSPCA is now appealing for information.

Inspector Ellie Burt said: “The bearded dragon was dumped in a shoebox next to the bins with an old mattress and bits of glass and wood.

"It was very cold and was missing a tail."

The male lizard is being looked after by a specialist until it can be re-homed.

Anyone with any information should call the RSPCA's appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

The lizard was found by a member of the public on Friday at 5pm.

RSPCA spokesman Emily Stott said: "Luckily the kind member of the public realised there was something alive inside and knew what to do as they had previously kept exotic reptiles as pets.

"They contacted the RSPCA and put the reptile, now named Stumpy, into a vivarium to keep him warm."

Bearded dragons are one of the top five species of reptiles collected by RSPCA inspectors.

Other species include corn snakes, terrapins, tortoises, leopard geckos, boa constrictors and royal pythons.

RSPCA exotics senior scientific officer Nicola White said: “The number of calls the RSPCA receives about reptiles has risen 20% over the past five years.

"Sadly, we are regularly being called to collect reptiles, like this poor bearded dragon, which have been dumped like rubbish, or neglected, presumably because owners no longer want them or cannot care for them properly.

“Reptiles are completely reliant on their owners to meet their welfare needs which include the correct levels of heat, light, humidity and an appropriate diet.

“They are commonly found for sale in pet shops and online but are often handed to buyers with very little information about how to care for them properly or the commitment to keep them healthy."

The RSPCA advises potential owners to research what is needed before buying.

Further information is available at www.rspca.org.uk/exotics