A PUPPY was killed after being dumped near a former pub in a Hyndburn country lane.

The puppy, believed to have been a terrier cross and around eight weeks old, was knocked over after being left near the old Brown Cow pub, in Whitecroft Road, near Oswaldtwistle.

Its body was found alongside two puppies of the same age and breed by a passerby, who called the council, who then contacted the RSPCA.

Inspector Leigh-Anne Jones said: “One puppy had been run over and was sadly dead, and the other two were in a very poor condition.”

The puppies - one male and one female - were severely dehydrated, thin, covered in mange and suffering from worms. They were taken to an emergency vet after being found on Thursday evening.

Leigh-Anne said: “The vet was unsure what breed they are, but they look like possible terrier cross breeds, and are approximately eight-weeks-old.

“I am also concerned about their mum, who may be in a similar state and will need treatment urgently.

“The area in which they were found is quite quiet, so it is lucky that someone spotted them before it got dark, or they most certainly would have died overnight.

“Whoever left them there clearly meant for them to die, as it is not a place they would be easily found by passers-by.”

Leader of Hyndburn Council, Coun Miles Parkinson, said prospective pet owners should fully research the costs of owning animals.

He said: “These things do happen and it’s very sad. They are animals and they should be cared for and looked after.

“If anybody is thinking of getting a pet, they should consider they are not just for Christmas and they are not status symbols either.”

Coun Parkinson also urged pet owners struggling to contact their local pet shelter rather than just abandoning them, although they too are feeling the strain, he added.

The two puppies found in Whitecroft Road were recovering at the vets and have regained their appetites.

The RSPCA has appealed for anybody with information, or anybody who witnessed suspicious activity in the area on Thursday, to call its contact centre on 0300 1234 999.