Sarah Price, from Ravens Rescue, previously said Vixen and Comet were treated for worms and given essential fluids and nourishment but Vixen “didn’t make it”.

She appealed for anyone who might know who dumped the puppies to come forward.

“Somebody surely knows them or if there are any more in the litter, or how mum is doing,” she said.

“We need to find who did this and they need to face the consequences – they could have gone to any vet, somebody would have helped them.”