Three puppies are found dumped in a crate on the side of the road after Christmas

Three tiny puppies were found dumped in a roadside crate after Christmas.

The puppies were named Mary, Holly and Rudey to mark they were rescued during the festive season.

The ailing dogs were dumped in a cardboard box and found ill and underweight in Wiltshire.

Freya Lamb, an RSPCA animal rescue officer now investigating the case, said: “Unfortunately, these poor puppies are all underweight and suffering from ear mites.

Three tiny puppies were found dumped in a box on the side of the road after Christmas

The ailing dogs were dumped in a cardboard box and found ill and underweight in Wiltshire

The puppies were named Mary, Holly and Rudey to mark they were rescued during the festive season

“One of the dogs also has a cherry eye that needs veterinary attention.”

She added that the little puppies are very nervous, fearful and cautious when approaching anyone.

A member of the public found the adorable puppies and took them to the RSPCA’s Oak and Furrows Wildlife Centre.

The charity has sadly seen a surge in abandoned animals, with a 25 per cent increase in the number of incidents handled by its teams.

Freya Lamb, an RSPCA animal rescue officer now investigating the case, said: “Unfortunately, these poor puppies are all underweight and suffering from ear mites

Freya Lamb, an RSPCA animal rescue officer now investigating the case, said: “Unfortunately, these poor puppies are all underweight and suffering from ear mites

Ms Lamb said one of the dogs also had cherry eye, which required veterinary attention

RSPCA figures previously showed that the number of abandoned pets rose sharply between 2020 and 2021, with a 17 percent increase.

In 2022, there was another 24 percent increase in cases.

If anyone has any information about the abandoned pups, the RSPCA would like to ask you to contact the Inspectorate’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.