Dogsey

When Hazel Richards from Teeside saw a cardboard box containing puppies in the 'last chance section' of a livestock auction in Somerset, she immediately bid on them, buying the box for £7.50. Explaining that she was “horrified” and could not have left the six-week-old pups, she described them as “severely malnourished”.

The puppies were sold as a box of three, but upon collection, Miss Richards discovered another pup in the bottom. This smaller pup had a deformed jaw and was starving.

Although one puppy passed away, Miss Richards was able to find a home for two of them. The final puppy was brought to Dogs Trust in Sadberge, near Darlington. Staff named her Lottie, and found her a new home after nursing her back to health.

Dogs Trust rehoming centre manager said: “We were shocked to hear of the circumstances in which Hazel acquired Lottie. It sounds like something which would occur centuries ago.

“We advise people to buy a dog from a reputable breeder or get a rescue dog so as not to encourage unscrupulous puppy traders who show little regard for welfare.”