Kent: Puppy found abandoned and riddled with worms in box near Maidstone

The puppy, now named Baba Ganoush, is believed to be 10-weeks-old

A French bulldog puppy has been found abandoned, underweight and "riddled with worms" in a cardboard box in Kent.

The dog was discovered on Saturday night on Lower Road in East Farleigh, near Maidstone.

A member of the public found the puppy, which is believed to be 10-weeks-old, and took her to the RSPCA.

Inspector Kirsten Ormerod said the dog, now named Baba Ganoush, received "urgent access to specialist care and treatment".

The dog is thought to have nystagmus - a twitch of the eyes that can fade on its own or worsen.

Baba was not microchipped and was not wearing a collar when she was found, the RSPCA said.

The dog was not microchipped

Ms Ormerod said: "We don't know if Baba was abandoned by a breeder after failing to sell or whether she was left by a new owner who took her on without realising the commitment and costs of caring for a young puppy, particularly with her struggling with worms and a possible eye condition.

"Sadly, we've seen a spike in abandonments as people struggle to cope during the current cost of living crisis."

Last year the RSPCA received reports of more than 16,000 abandoned dogs - the highest number for three years.

Ms Ormerod added: "I'm really keen to hear from anyone who knows where she's come from or who might have bred her, or who saw anything suspicious in the Lower Road area of East Farleigh on Saturday late-afternoon to early evening."

Baba is now being fostered while the RSPCA investigates her case.

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