A driver has been slammed as "cruel" on social media after footage emerged of them walking dogs - from behind the wheel of a moving 4x4."

Dashcam footage shows a pair of pooches - believed to be sighthound breeds - walking alongside a grey Toyota RAV4 on a suburban road.

The clip was recorded in Dartford, Kent on Tuesday afternoon (January 7).

A photo of the car - with the dogs alongside - has since been posted on Facebook, and attracted more than 100 comments.

One person said: "That's one of the worst things I've ever seen, how cruel."

Another added: "What a disgusting thing to do they must be terrified."

However, several people defended the driver, with one person saying: "Nothing wrong here these dogs need lots of exercise."

"They are bred to chase rabbits around a field to protect farmer's crops from damage so they need to build up their muscles."

"Also let's not forget greyhound racing has been a sport for many years."

An anonymous witness told KentOnline he had "seen the driver before" and reported the incident to the police."

Kent Police confirmed they were called at 5.15pm to "a report that vehicles were being used to make dogs run alongside them"."

Officers attended and searches were carried out but the vehicles and dogs were not located.

They notified the RSPCA who they say will be leading and investigating any allegations of animal cruelty.

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that when inside a vehicle, dogs or other animals must be suitably restrained.

This can be done by using a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard.

Dogs can also legally be transported in a car trailer, but they need to be safe and properly restrained.

However, there is no specific law relating to dogs being tied to moving vehicles in the UK.

However the founder and boss of Lord Whisky Animal Sanctuary, based in Stelling Minnis, says the act was "dangerous" for the pet."

Margaret Todd said she had "never heard of a case like this before" and that the driver "clearly had not thought it through"."

She said: "I can't understand why someone would do something like this. The dog should be protected at all times."

"The dog could get hit by another car or bike as they were going past, so it is a dangerous thing to do."

The RSPCA has confirmed the incident has been reported to them.