A DOG was found chained to a post while nursing six newborn puppies after her cruel owner abandoned her.
Heartbreaking photos show the exhausted lurcher lying flat on her side with the puppies, who were so young they hadn’t even opened their eyes yet.
This lurcher was found nursing six puppies while chained to a post in IrelandCredit: Ispca
The exhausted mum and puppies were taken to a local animal centreCredit: Ispca
ISPCA centre manager Hugh O’Toole said: “Leaving a young dog only two years old tied up without water, food or shelter most definitely put her along with her young puppies’ lives at risk.
“I don’t understand how anyone can think it is okay to leave a dog tied to a gate to nurse her puppies.
“With the recent level of rainfall and cold weather this week, the outcome could have been very different and I’m happy we were alerted so we could help them.”
Mr O’Toole said the dog doesn’t have a microchip, which is a legal requirement.
The dog has since been named Emma Lou and her puppies have been named Billy Ray, Dixie, Dolly, June and Patsy.
The puppies will remain in the care of the ISPCA until the New Year when they will be old enough to be rehomed.
The charity is now urging pet owners to spay and neuter their pets as early as possible to prevent unwanted or accidental litters.
It comes after the ISPCA had to put down a dog that was found tied to a signpost near the animal centre with a part of his leg missing.
The lurcher has been named Emma LouCredit: Ispca
The little puppies have been named Billy Ray, Dixie, Dolly, Dotty, June and Patsy