Two puppies have died after being "thrown away like rubbish" on a woman's driveway.

The RSPCA is investigating after an inspector was called to a property in Place Lane, Hartlip, near Sittingbourne, when three animals were discovered dumped in a box outside.

One of the puppies was immediately sent to the vets, where it had to be put to sleep.

The two surviving pups were sent to the RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre and taken in by staff member Samantha Rogers.

The pair, named Bauer and Boeser, where given 24-hour care at Samantha's home in Rochester.

Sadly, Boeser's condition deteriorated over the weekend and, despite the family's best efforts, he died.

Samantha said: "The first few days were really rough as they were so weak but, with regular meals and lots of TLC they were slowly improving and getting stronger.

"They were becoming more active every day and really enjoy chasing after and climbing all over their foster sister, my Staffie Hera.

"Unfortunately we lost little Boeser.

"He went downhill really quickly and when they are so young it’s difficult to help them.

"His brother, Bauer, is doing really well though and continues to go from strength-to-strength."

Bauer will remain with Samantha until he's healthy enough to start looking for a new home.

A spokesman for the charity said: "These poor pups had simply been abandoned, thrown away like rubbish and left to be someone else’s problem.

"It never ceases to amaze me how people can so cruelly cast animals aside like worthless objects."

The RSPCA is investigating where the puppies came from and who is responsible for abandoning them.

Anyone with information is asked to call the charity's appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

To offer a rescue animal a new home, click here, or support the RSPCA by donating via its website.