FIVE puppies found dumped in a box in a skip are making a good recovery at an animal rescue sanctuary.

The dogs are on the mend at the Forest of Dean Dog Rescue centre in Bream having been found by a member of the public at an undisclosed location.

They were dehydrated and malnourished, weighing just 1kg (2.2lbs) each, but after treatment at Drybridge Veterinary Clinic in Coleford, are recovering well and set to be offered for rehoming soon, after DNA tests establish what breed they are.

FDDR secretary Jen Cole said: "We received a call from a man who turned up at work and found a box of puppies discarded in a skip.

"The pups were dehydrated and malnourished, and two had to be kept in the vets on drips.

"It was touch and go whether they would survive, and we cannot thank Drybridge Vets enough for the care and compassion they showed the pups.

"Sarah especially worked extra on a weekend to make sure they were taken care of.

"And thank you to Maxine and Helen at the kennels who have cared for them so well the last two weeks. At their check up today they’d recovered enough to have their first vaccines and microchips...

"It's a miracle they have got this far."

She added that rescues were all too commonly having to deal with problems of discarded pets like these.

"There is no excuse for treating innocent animals this way, but more and more dogs are coming to us in a state and needing urgent or ongoing veterinary treatment," she said.

"Please get your dogs neutered and if you are thinking of getting a dog, seriously consider if you have the time and finances to support it throughout its life."

Photos posted by the rescue centre show the pups in the box and the way they looked after two weeks of treatment and proper care.

One woman posted in response: “I don't know how anyone could do this, they have no heart at all. So glad they were found and are now doing well. They look so much better now from the photo when found.”