Police rescue puppies 'crammed into guinea pig cage'

Police said six dogs were found in a cage meant for guinea pigs

Police have rescued nearly a dozen "severely dehydrated" and "distressed" puppies that were crammed into plastic bags and a guinea pig cage in a van.

Officers believe the dogs - discovered in Carlton, Nottinghamshire, on Tuesday - were stolen.

They found them after a tip-off from a member of the public about a bad smell coming from a house.

Further searches led officers to a nearby van, where the puppies were found "in an appalling state".

Some of the dogs were found in crates or plastic bags, while six were inside the guinea pig cage, Nottinghamshire Police said.

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The RSPCA said it is now caring for the "very poorly" puppies, a mix of spaniels and terrier-type dogs, aged between two and four months old.

The charity said one of the puppies had died from suspected parvovirus on Wednesday night.

A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft and fraud.

The dogs were given "instant care"

Officers made the discovery after visiting the house in Apple Walk.

They found no dogs inside but spotted the van with its windows "steamed up" nearby, and when they looked in, saw movement in a bag in the passenger seat.

They broke in and found the puppies.

Police said the dogs were "severely dehydrated" when they found them

Insp Chris Pearson said: "The puppies located inside the van were in an appalling state and were visibly distressed.

"We are determined to uncover what has been happening at this house and establish where the animals have come from."

The man, who was arrested at the scene, remains in custody.

Police are appealing to anyone with any information about the dogs to come forward