Two tiny puppies have been callously abandoned in a box in a park in East London.
The German shepherd puppies were left by the cricket pitch at Seven Kings Park, Ilford, on Sunday afternoon.
RSPCA inspector Philip Heyes was called out to collect the puppies.
He said: “A passerby discovered the two tiny pups inside a cardboard box dumped in a hedge at the park while he was watching cricket nearby. He heard a noise and went to investigate.
“The puppies are only around five-weeks-old and both were very weak and sick. He contacted us and went back to the park to check on them but, sadly, the second puppy had already died.
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"When I went to collect them the male was collapsed on top of his dead sibling; it was heartbreaking.
“I rushed the surviving pup to our veterinary hospital where he was given emergency treatment. He’s still on a drip and is receiving round-the-clock care.
"Thankfully his temperature has come down and he’s starting to eat on his own so I really hope he pulls through.”
Philip is now investigating who is responsible for abandoning the vulnerable puppies in such a weak state.
“I’d like to speak to anyone who knows where these puppies have come from or who may have seen anything suspicious in the park on Sunday afternoon,” he added.
“If anyone has information that could assist with our enquiries please contact our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
“These pups were too young to be separated from their mother and were clearly not in a good way so to abandon them to fend for themselves is awful.
"I’m now concerned about their mother and any other littermates who could also need veterinary treatment.”
The puppy - who has been nicknamed Truffle by nurses taking care of him - remains in RSPCA care. He’ll stay at the hospital until he is better and already has a potential home lined up.
To see all of the dogs currently in RSPCA care who are searching for new homes please visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
