February 24, 2016 10.39 am This story is over 96 months old

RSPCA searches for owner of dog found by Lincolnshire roadside guarding her dead puppies

Do you recognise her? The RSPCA is investigating after a spaniel was found by a roadside in Lincolnshire alongside a carrier bag stuffed with her dead puppies.

The RSPCA is investigating after a spaniel was found by a roadside in Lincolnshire alongside a carrier bag stuffed with her dead puppies.

The heartbreaking scene was discovered by Boston councillor Paul Skinner, who was cycling in Midville. He took a photograph as he realised the fish and chip shop bag the dog was nustling ‘with tears in her eyes’ contained four dead newborns.

Paul said: “We spotted on the verge something that looked like a dead bird, but as we passed it moved. It was a small spaniel without a collar.

“We looked around in case anyone was in trouble. The dog was on its own, sitting licking the contents of a fish and chips carrier bag.

“The bag contained four dead pups. It was heartbreaking. She had tears in her eyes.”

Councillor Skinner alerted the police, the RSPCA and Fen Bank Greyhound Sanctuary who has since acted to make the mother safe.

The RSPCA has confirmed it has launched an investigation following the discovery and are appealing to hear from anyone who recognises the dog, now named Carly.

It is unclear whether the puppies were stillborn or whether they died as a result of the cold.

The dog is said to have a microchip, but that has led back to the original breeder, who is now looking after her.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.