German shepherd cross lurchers had lice and worms.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after six puppies were dumped near the canal in Rishton, Lancashire.

The three boys and three girls - thought to be German shepherd cross lurchers - were found last Tuesday (23 January) in a compound used for storing cars on Harwood Road.

RSPCA inspector Nina Small said: “The owner of the compound confined the puppies in a car until I could get there.

“When I opened the car door they were all huddled together on the back seat.

Here are the top myths that Debs and her colleagues at Scarsdale Vets deal with on a regular basis that you might find surprising:

Scarsdale Vets busts common myths about neutering your pets.

We all think we know about when it is and isn’t right to neuter our pets and the impact it will have, don’t we? Well perhaps not, as Scarsdale Vets launches a campaign this February which allows pet owners to access the correct information surrounding neutering surgery.

RSPCA urges restrictions on private firework use to traditional celebration dates

The RSPCA has renewed calls to restrict the private use of fireworks to particular dates in a bid to reduce the fear and distress caused to many animals throughout the year.

Sadly Staffies are the most likely breed of dog to be found in a rescue centre - and these four at RSPCA Coventry and Nuneaton branch are hoping someone can give them a home to make them smile again.

There are many rescue staffies desperately looking for their fur-ever homes. Figures show that 15% of the 14,707 dogs cared for by staff and volunteers at the 17 national RSPCA animal centres in 2016 were Staffordshire bull terriers while a further 7% were Staffie-crosses. This means the breed is much more likely to end up in a rescue centre.