A litter of puppies dumped in woods suffering in a terrible condition have been taken in by the RSPCA.

The six poorly dogs were discovered huddled on a pile of logs and it is thought they had been left there overnight.

The springer spaniel pups are just 10 weeks old but are now being looked after by the charity after a member of the public called them for help.

The puppies were found in woodland in High Halden, near Ashford, with the person taking them home before contacting the RSPCA.

All of them are suffering from sarcoptic mange - also known as fox mange - and they have bad ear mites.

They are a long way from fully recovering and the RSPCA says they will not be ready for rehoming for several weeks.

The six pooches, five boys and one girl, are said to be in good spirits now after being taken in on August 31.

They have been named Captain, Morgan, Jack, Daniel, Sammy and Malt

The RSPCA said they were brought in in "a terrible condition" with "hardly any fur" which would have been uncomfortable and itchy.

A spokesman said: "Hopefully we have found it early enough to be able to treat it.

“They are a lovely little litter. It’s very sad that someone just dumped them alone rather than getting them treated at the earliest opportunity.”

The charity is now urging the owners to come forward.

Inspector Ellie Burt said: "I am so glad that these pups are now on the road to recovery, and it was just lucky they were found when they were, who knows what would have happened to them if not.

"We are grateful to the kind-hearted member of the public who found them and then took them home and called us."

The RSPCA inspector appeal line is 0300 123 8018.

Visit www.rspca.org.uk/give to donate or text LOVE to 87023 to give £3 to the RSPCA.