THESE six adorable abandoned puppies, found in cardboard box in Co Carlow, are now in ISPCA care and in need of kind future homes.

ISPCA Inspector Fiona Conlon was contacted by local animal lovers who found a box with six puppies on disused land behind their home and called for help.

The collie/lurcher type puppies, thought to be from different litters, are approximately eight weeks old and were transported to a local vet for assessment. Two of the smaller puppies were very weak and Inspector Conlon was immediately concerned that they might not make it. They all had large worm burdens and were cold and hungry.

ISPCA Inspector Fiona Conlon said: “It’s unclear how long the puppies were left in the cold and rain. Thanks to the kind-hearted people in the local community for getting in touch so we could give them the best chance of survival. It really is shocking how anyone could just dump any animal in a box and walk away.”

The puppies, named Ross, Rachel, Joey, Monica, Phoebe and Janice, are slowly getting stronger and will be monitored closely. Once well enough, they will be transferred to the National Animal Centre in Longford for rehabilitation.

More information at www.ispca.ie