Six puppies found in shallow beach graves

The puppies are thought to have been about four to five-weeks-old, the RSPCA has said

The bodies of six puppies have been found buried in sand dunes after their "shallow graves" were disturbed by passers-by.

The RSPCA said the pups, thought to have been just four to five-weeks-old, had been found at the same spot on Crosby Beach, Merseyside, on two separate dates.

One puppy was found wrapped in kitchen roll on 17 April, while a further five were discovered by a member of the public on 2 May.

The incident is being treated as suspicious by the RSPCA and it is appealing for information.

'Suspicious circumstances'

The puppies were said to be quite badly decomposed but they were thought to be a poodle cross breed.

Inspector Lisa Lupson, who is investigating the incident, said: “We are so grateful to the member of the public for reporting this to us and it must have been so harrowing for them to find the puppies in this way.

“While we do not know what the cause of death may be - the fact that so many were found in these circumstances is suspicious."

She said they thought the puppies had been buried in shallow graves which had been disturbed.

Insp Lupson appealed for anyone with information to call 0300 123 8018 quoting incident 01259774.