A charity is appealing for the public to stop dumping dogs after a tiny puppy was horrifically found abandoned in a plastic bag.
Helping Yorkshire Poundies (HYPS) announced the news on their Facebook page with adorable photos of the five-week-old sausage dog.
The puppy - who has since been named Gavin - was found to be in a poor state and "small, very skinny and with Swimmers syndrome and a scrotal hernia", Yorkshire Live reports.
Gavin was taken straight to a vet for treatment and has been temporarily rehomed.
The charity said: "We went to pick up Gavin, take him straight to the vet, and then onto a fab foster home where he’s having a blast.
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"He is steadily gaining weight each day, and learning to walk (and try to run!) on his adorable little legs.
"He is also learning lots from his Dachshund foster sis, and has had a little trip out today for some all important socialisation."
HYPS is not taking adoption applications for the pup yet, as the team want Gavin's health to improve first.
However, they are in need of donations towards the stray dog's healthcare.
HYPS said: "We need to make extra sure that his health is going in the right direction before thinking about his next steps, but please keep an eye out for his progress updates.
"As always if anyone can donate anything towards his vet care we'd be hugely grateful in these tough times."
The charity is pleading members of the public to avoid dumping their dogs, no matter how bad things get.
They said: "We’d like to end this post by saying PLEASE get in touch if you are struggling with your dog/s - we are always here for non-judgemental, confidential advice and help - please don’t leave it too late to ask for help in any situation."
It comes after the RSPCA found five vulnerable puppies abandoned in a box in a park amid the cost of living crisis.
The animal charity has seen an increase in the number of dogs coming into their care and is also urging owners who are struggling to ask for help.
RSPCA Inspector Natalie Kitchin said: "We’re seeing lots of animals being abandoned and many of our branches are being approached by owners wishing to sign their pets over as they can no longer care for them.
"We fear this is as a result of the cost of living crisis and are concerned this will continue to get worse throughout the year, with struggling charities like the RSPCA left to pick up the pieces.
"We believe one reason for this increase in animals being abandoned may be that owners did not realise the costs associated with their pets - which can include vet bills, feeding an animal, boarding facilities and grooming bills."
Do you have a story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
