A seriously neglected dog was mistaken for a fox after it was found eating out of some bin bags.

The German Shepherd, now revealed to be called Bluebell, was spotted along Jefferson Road, Sheerness.

Swale council's stray dog service was alerted this evening and has posted an appeal to anyone who recognises the Alsatian pup.

A picture was posted of the pooch by the black sacks, along with a close up of its paw, which looks to be matted and injured.

"Based on the pictures we've received, the poor love has obviously suffered some pretty serious neglect and has been left to fend for herself," a spokesperson for the service said.

"Unless their is an underlying medical condition, this is animal neglect.

"Our officer is racing over to collect her and once we have more information, our post will be updated."

Some people were initially confused over the pictures with some commenting that it looked like a fox.

More than a hundred comments have flooded in since with many concerned over the welfare of the pup.

One said: "Bless her. Glad she’s safe now. Lots of TLC required."

Another added: "This is just horrendous! The poor baby. How can people sleep at night is beyond me."

'Unless their is an underlying medical condition, this is animal neglect...'

At 6.30pm, the service updated many worried dog-lovers to confirm that she had been rescued.

"This little one has now been collected and is winging her way to the kennels," a spokesperson said.

"We can confirm she's a German Shepherd, not a fox and her name is Bluebell.

"She's chipped and this will be investigated further tomorrow, though she isn't registered as lost or missing.

"For now, she'll be given some tea and a warm bed before seeing the vet in the morning."