Stoke-on-Trent puppies found dead in shallow grave

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-33879054

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Five dead puppies have been found buried in a shallow grave in Stoke-on-Trent.

The RSPCA said they were discovered on Tuesday afternoon, in a field behind James Brindley Close.

The dogs were either Staffordshire or Mastiff breed, and had not been dead for very long, the charity said.

They were found in a shallow hole about eight-inches deep, the bodies had puncture holes and were covered with three slabs.

Charlotte Melvin, inspector at the charity, said: "The gums of the puppies were still pink and there were no maggots on the bodies so they could not have been dead for long.

"All of the puppies had puncture wounds, with one puppy having a puncture wound which had gone right through him."

The charity was also worried for the welfare of the puppies' mother, which it said could be traumatised by having her puppies taken.

The RSPCA has appealed for anyone with information to contact them.