Dog found dumped in box following 'abject cruelty'

Birdie was found in a box in Upchurch after being subjected to "abject cruelty"

A dog has been found dumped in a box after being subjected to "abject cruelty", rescuers said.

On Thursday, Swale Borough Council Stray Dog Service said eight-year-old Birdie had been found in a box in Breach Lane, Upchurch.

A spokesperson for the service said a vet scored Birdie, who had rotten teeth and was infested with fleas, a one out of nine on a body condition scale.

Inquiries into Birdie's circumstances are ongoing and she is being cared for by Happy Endings Rescue.

The service said a biopsy would also be carried out to rule out aggressive forms of cancer as the reason for her face injuries.

Birdie, who is microchipped, had experienced "severe" neglect, the service explained.

Anyone with information about Birdie is asked to contact Swale Borough Council.