French Bulldog puppy abandoned in box

Tiny puppy found weak and underweight left in a cardboard box in Kent

The RSPCA is caring for a poorly puppy who was abandoned – underweight and riddled with worms – in a cardboard box.

The tiny French bulldog puppy was found in a cardboard box at 7pm on Saturday night (24 February) on Lower Road in East Farleigh, near Maidstone.

A member of the public found the puppy abandoned in the dark and took her to the RSPCA.

Inspector Kirsten Ormerod is now investigating the puppy’s abandonment. She said: “The little pup is lilac coloured and we believe she’s around eight to 10-weeks-old.

“She is underweight, very weak and riddled with worms so she’s been receiving round-the-clock care from our team.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the member of the public who found her and took her to our centre so that we could ensure she got urgent access to specialist care and treatment.”

The puppy, now named Baba Ganoush, is believed to be suffering from nystagmus – a flicker or twitch of the eyes which can fade on its own but can also worsen if it’s caused by a disease that affects their balance. Vets will be monitoring this.

Inspector Ormerod added: “Baba also has a distinctive old injury to her right ear which has healed so we’re hoping that due to this and her striking colouring that someone may recognise her.

“I’m really keen to hear from anyone who knows where she’s come from or who might have bred her, or who saw anything suspicious in the Lower Road area of East Farleigh on Saturday late-afternoon to early evening.”

Baba was not microchipped and wasn’t wearing a collar when she was found.

Inspector Ormerod added: “We don’t know if Baba was abandoned by a breeder after failing to sell or whether she was left by a new owner who took her on without realising the commitment and costs of caring for a young puppy, particularly with her struggling with worms and a possible eye condition.

“We understand that people can find themselves in difficult situations and may not be able to see a way out but we would urge anyone who is struggling to care for their pet never to abandon them, particularly in such a vulnerable state.

“Sadly, we’ve seen a spike in abandonments as people struggle to cope during the current cost of living crisis. Last year (2023), the RSPCA received reports of more than 16,000 abandoned dogs, and saw a three-year high in incidents of animals being abandoned.”

Baba is now being fostered while the RSPCA investigates her case. Anyone with information about her can contact the charity’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

💰Anyone who is struggling with the costs of taking care of their pet can find helpful money-saving advice on the RSPCA’s online Cost of Living Hub.

💙To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care, like Baba, please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.