Seven puppies were left to die at the side of a country road in freezing conditions.
The seven-week-old pups were left without food and water and were found by a passer-by in Chertsey, Surrey last week.
Staff at the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Old Windsor believe the puppies may have been abandoned because they weren't sold in time for Christmas.
The home's manager Kaye Mughal said: ‘Dumping animals without food or water near a road could have disastrous consequences, but thankfully a member of the public acted quickly, and they’re now recovering from their ordeal and are looking for new homes.
"The puppies were found on the side of a country road in a bucket, so it's very obvious they were dumped deliberately.
"Given the timing we’re worried they were bred as Christmas presents by someone looking to make a quick buck, but when they failed to sell they were disposed of".
The puppies, who are currently being looked after at the Battersea centre, will be rehomed next year when they are old enough.
Image via SWNS
