Rescued: Seven puppies with deformed legs and mange
A litter of seven puppies have been discovered abandoned in devastating conditions in a fiercely cold field.
The spaniel puppies were found suffering severe leg deformities, urine scalds and infested with skin mites which has caused mange.
They were discovered dumped in a field in Swanley, Kent and were immediately taken to a vet for treatment.
A charity has helped the pups, New Hope Animal Rescue, and described the condition they were found in as 'horrendous'.
It hopes to bring the neglected spaniels back to health but says it is still a 'risky time for them'.
The charity blames a lack of space to grow and poor nutrition for the severely poor health of the pups.
A spokesman for the animal rescue charity said: 'We had such a sad case and a real heartbreaking start to life for this little family.
'These seven spaniel puppies were dumped in horrendous condition.
'At first glance, it may just look like their skin is the issue.
'They have a severe untreated case of Demodex mange, although awful that's not the worst of it for this gang.
'They have severe deformities in their legs, both back and front, some more serious than others.'
Some of the puppies have badly bowed legs, little fur and are suffering from worms.
The spokesman added: 'They are full of worms and passing straw when they are going to the toilet.
'They are so urine scalded their legs are deeply ulcerated in places.
'This is a risky time for them but we hope we can pull them all through. These guys are going to require a lot of care.'
They are currently still undergoing care and treatment at New Hope Animal Rescue.