An appeal has been launched after three dead puppies were left in a shoebox in Newport.

The RSPCA said the pups were of an unknown breed and found by a member of the public.

The three black puppies were found at around 11am on Friday near an entrance to St Julian’s Park nature reserve, known locally as Purnell’s Farm.

A member of the public came across them opposite the Renoir Road play area.

They were left in a black shoe box and had been wrapped in a blue jumper.

Danielle Wilson, the RSPCA’s animal rescue officer said it was a “very sad” outcome, and thanked the member of the public who sounded the alarm.

“These three pups had their umbilical cords still attached, so they couldn’t have been that old, at all,” she said.

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“We don’t know whether they died during birth and someone just didn’t know what to do with the bodies, or they died afterwards.

“We’re making enquiries about CCTV in the area, and I’ve placed a poster at the location in a bid to get information.”

The RSPCA is urging anyone who has any first hand information relating to the incident to get in touch via its appeal line.

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