Newborn puppies found 'left for dead' dangling over river in plastic bag

Three newborn puppies have been discovered "left for dead" dangling over a river in a plastic bag.

Irish animal charity the ISPCA reported the "disturbing" finding in an urgent appeal for information about the "heartless act".

The tiny collie pups were found by vet Alexander Smyth, who was called to the scene in Co. Donegal, Ireland, at around 9pm on Wednesday.

A concerned member of the public had contacted his practice, Smyth Vet Services, after spotting the bag which they suspected might contain abandoned kittens.

Mr Smyth arrived at the scene and proceeded to perform a "specialist rescue", the ISPCA said.

He knew that if the bag became detached or ripped, whatever was inside would almost certainly drown in the fast-moving water.

"It was only then that he discovered three new born collie puppies; deliberately dumped in the plastic bag and tossed towards the river, to be drowned," the charity said in a statement.

The dogs, which were no more than 10 days old, were then rushed to safety and treated for hypothermia, hypoglycaemia and hunger.

ISPCA Senior Inspector Kevin McGinley said: “It is disturbing how anyone could be so cruel and heartless, to put three vulnerable little puppies in a plastic bag leaving them to dangle over a river to an inevitable death.

"There are just no words.

"These three puppies are lucky to be alive thanks to the kind-hearted member of the public and to Smyth Veterinary Services for rescuing them.

"It’s unclear how long the puppies were there but they are now receiving round the clock care at the ISPCA Animal Rehabilitation Centre.

"The situation could easily have been avoided if the puppies’ mother had been spayed or if the dog’s owner had contacted the ISPCA for help.

"Spaying and Neutering is the obvious solution in preventing unwanted puppies from being born in the first place."

Mr Smyth said: “This is a tragedy in this day and age with so many animal charities and places that are willing to care for these animals, the suffering of these animals could have been avoided."

He added: "The puppies are doing well but will require intensive support as they are very young and now orphans, and the ISPCA team will continue to provide this over the coming weeks.

"We support the work of the ISPCA charity and all the good work they do for the welfare of animals across Ireland. It is only possible with donations from the public and we encourage people to consider them in their charitable donations”.