An abandoned litter of puppies with their umbilical cords still attached were found dumped on a Canterbury river bank in a sack.
The puppies were found by a member of the public in some bushes on the Waipara River, north-Canterbury, on Sunday.
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The SPCA Christchurch Centre is appealing for information.
"We have no idea how long they were out there for," a post on the organisation's Facebook page says.
"The puppies - who are all female - are so young we are unable to tell what breed they are, however they are all brindle and white, and black."
The post sparked outrage amongst dog lovers with hundreds expressing their disgust.
"Words cannot express how I feel about oxygen thieves that are capable of this sort of behaviour," one user said.
Another called for whoever responsible to be prosecuted, saying there's "absolutely no excuse to do this".
Anyone with information is urged to call the Christchurch SPCA on 03 349 7057.
Newshub.
