A poorly chihuahua and her four puppies died after she was dumped while giving birth.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after the dog was found collapsed in a cat carrier that had been abandoned near a medical centre in Tunbridge Wells.

She was in an "extremely poor state" when she was discovered on Friday by some white garages in Gregg's Wood with two dead puppies next to her.

The animal - who was not microchipped - was rushed to vets who tried to treat her.

But she was too weak to be induced or given the caesarian she needed to deliver her two remaining puppies, and later died.

RSPCA inspector Rachel Smith said: "The sight of this poor little dog was utterly heartbreaking.

"She was just so ill, and going through an extremely difficult labour, and yet just dumped and left to suffer.

"It was horrible to see the suffering she endured - which was just so unnecessary and could have been easily avoided if she had been taken to the vets earlier for help.

"We hope that someone must have seen this cat carrier around this area on this date and might have some details which might help us track down what happened and try to stop it happening again."

Anyone with information about where the dog came from is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.