A litter of seven spaniel puppies found cowering in a field after being dumped have been rescued and are undergoing treatment.

The puppies were found with severe leg deformities, covered in mange, and infested with mites in Swanley, Kent, during cold temperatures.

It is believed they were kept in cramped and cruel conditions before they were rescued.

New Hope Animal Rescue took the pups in after a visit to the vet and a spokesperson said: ‘We had such a sad case and a real heartbreaking start to life for this little family.

‘These seven spaniel puppies were dumped in horrendous condition.

‘At first glance, it may just look like their skin is the issue.

‘They have a severe untreated case of Demodex mange, although awful that’s not the worst of it for this gang.

‘They have severe deformities in their legs, both back and front, some more serious than others.’

The charity says poor nutrition and cramped spaces mean the puppies developed leg problems while they were growing.

The spokesperson continued: ‘They are full of worms and passing straw when they are going to the toilet.

‘They are so urine scalded their legs are deeply ulcerated in places.

‘This is a risky time for them but we hope we can pull them all through. These guys are going to require a lot of care.’

Adoption enquiries will take place once the litter are in full health.

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