Puppies kicked and burned by gang

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The children were holding the animals over the fire

Two puppies were kicked and burned by a gang of up to 10 youths in Greater Manchester.

The seven-week-old dogs, Guy and Cinders, were passed over a bonfire by the youths near a canal in Newbold, Rochdale, last Friday.

A member of the public who saw the attack chased the boys away before rescuing the dogs and handing them to the RSPCA.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact them.

'Sense of mischief'

Jean Spencer, RSPCA Rochdale centre manager, said: "A member of the public saw what was happening and chased the boys away and rescued both the pups and brought them to us.

"They had a small bonfire going and as she walked over towards them she could hear Guy yelping. She went running over, they dropped the puppies and ran off."

She said Guy is a brown pup and has a hernia and a heart murmur, which were not necessarily caused by the attack.

Miss Spencer said Cinders, a black and tan bitch, was passed through the flames and had singe marks on her head.

She said they were shocked and withdrawn when they were brought in but have now regained their sense of mischief.

RSPCA inspector Alison Wilkinson said: "The RSPCA is investigating this incident and wants to hear from anyone who has any specific information about what happened as soon as possible."