More pets were abandoned in Kent than anywhere else in the south east last Christmas, according to the RSPCA.

Overall, almost 400 pets were abandoned in the south east and 73 of those were in the county.

This year the RSPCA are already taking in dozens of lonely and abused animals during the festive season.

One dog was found tied to a gate with a makeshift Star Wars collar made from a belt on Ifield Road, Meopham. He has been named Wookie.

Wookie was taken to the vets, who found that he had muscle wastage on his hind legs and spondylosis, a degenerative spinal condition. He will now be cared for by the RSPCA.

Dermot Murphy, chief inspectorate officer at the RSPCA, said: “Christmas is a busy time for us, as sadly cruelty and abandonments do not stop over the festive season and our staff work tirelessly to rescue and care for animals in need.

“Last year, there were 1,684 dogs reported as abandoned in December and 1,678 abandoned in January, and there were more dogs than any other animal being abandoned over the festive period.”

He added: “We understand that people’s circumstances can change which may mean they can no longer cope with their pet but there is never an excuse to abandon any animal like this, as there are other options available to people who are struggling to care for their pets.

“Dumping a pet leaves the animal extremely scared and vulnerable, especially in the cold winter months.

“We would urge anyone considering getting a pet to think carefully about whether they have the time, care, patience, and resources to care for that animal for the rest of their life and if you feel you really do, then please consider giving a rescue pet a second chance this new year.”

The RSPCA is appealing to avid animal lovers to donate and help them take care of those in their care over the Christmas period.

Donations to their Stock the Sleigh campaign will go to the 10,000 animals they expect to take in this winter.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

To go to their Stock the Sligh page, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent