A stray dog service is appealing for information after a French bulldog was claimed to have been found tied to a lamppost.

She was said to have been discovered with a bag full of toys and medication in Second Avenue, Sheerness.

Swale Council’s stray dog service says the dog is chipped but they have received conflicting information from the keeper, where it was implied she was sold online for £100.

A spokesman said: “She's got a large amount of swelling across her shoulder blades and has a lot of fluid retention.

“On top of this, her back legs don't work properly. She wobbles when she walks and one of the feet is 'knuckled' which she doesn't seem aware of. She's also covered in hives as though she's had an allergic reaction.

“We're very concerned about her prognosis.”

The service has now confirmed that the keepers fraudulently signed Piper over as a stray and that she had in fact not been tied to a lamppost.

It said: “Regardless of your situation, dumping your dog is not the answer. We don't have unlimited kennel space or resources meaning we can't keep dogs for months on end or offer in depth medical care.

“If Piper ends up needing surgery, we cannot cover this, though we will do all we can to find her a rescue space.

“She wasn't tied to a lamppost, but had been abandoned all the same.”

The service is seeking information on this dog and urges anyone who recognises her to come forward, even if they wish to remain anonymous, by contacting the local authority on 01795 417850.