Three tiny collie puppies have been rescued after they were found in a plastic bag hanging on a barbed wire fence.
The newborns, it has been reported, had become caught on the fence after someone attempted to throw them into the nearby river, in Ireland.
However, after receiving a call reporting a bag of what was thought to be abandoned kittens at around 9pm on 8 July, staff at Smyth's Veterinary Services in Donegal were able to rescue them.
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Once they were in safe hands, the pups were treated for hypothermia, hypoglycaemia and hunger by the veterinary team. It's understood they are no more than between seven and 10 days old.
Alexander Smyth, Director of Veterinary Service rushed to the scene shortly after the call and said that if the bag had ripped, it would have been fatal.
He said: "This is a tragedy in this day and age with so many animal charities and places that are willing to care for these animals.
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"The suffering of these animals could have been avoided. Whilst we have provided a specialist rescue service to numerous pets, wildlife and large animals, we are not a shelter and do not have the facilities to provide long term care for these animals once they are rescued.
"The dedicated staff at Donegal ISPCA were thankfully able to take these puppies into their care, for that we owe them a debt of gratitude.
"The puppies are doing well but will require intensive support as they are very young and now orphans.
"The abuse and needless suffering of animals is unacceptable, and we encourage if anyone has any information about any cases of abuse, neglect or otherwise that they should make it know to authorities so it can be stopped."
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Mr Smyth warned that if people come across animals in this kind of situation in the future, they should get in touch with professionals who are trained to deal with them.
He added: "Animals in these situations are stressed and/or wild and they can pose risks to persons attempting to rescue them.
"The environments such as rivers and confined spaces can pose further hazards to rescuers, so you should not attempt any rescues of wildlife, pets or farm animals without specialist training and when completely safe to do so. Contact the ISPCA, Fire Service or your local Veterinary Surgeon for advice."
Featured Image Credit: Smyth Vet Services