Puppy left for dead in alleyway

The puppy was found dumped in a plastic bag and bleeding

A newborn puppy was dumped in a plastic bag and left for dead in a back street on Merseyside.

The RSPCA said the black and white male puppy was found by a member of the public covered in blood on Jubfield Street in Haydock on Tuesday night.

Officers from the RSPCA who collected the dog estimated it was only six-hours-old at the time it was abandoned.

The puppy is now recovering and being hand-reared at the charity's animal welfare centre in Liverpool.

Derek Hampson, animal collection officer, said: "This is a heartbreaking case of abandonment.

"This little puppy was barely alive and would almost certainly have died were it not for the vigilance and quick thinking of the member of the public who found him.

"It's sickening that anyone could abandon any animal in this way, let alone such a young, defenceless puppy and at this time of year. "

The RSPCA said information is also needed to find the mother and rest of the litter who could also be in danger.