Pups are are fighting for their lives as vets fear they are suffering with ‘canine distemper’ - a serious disease that is often fatal.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after three English Bulldog puppies were found dumped under a bush in Halesowen, Dudley with no food or water.

The sibling puppies, thought to be just five weeks old, were found by a member of the public as he was out walking on Thursday evening (12 April). He spotted the crate under the bush in Hayes Lane and when he peered inside, he saw the three helpless puppies.

Organisations team up to offer advice on what dog owners can do to keep pets safe in the springtime heatwave anticipated this week.

With weather forecasts predicting that temperatures could hit highs of 20c over the next few days dog owners are being urged to keep their pets safe in the sun.

Rescue and rehoming charities, veterinary associations, police, and welfare organisations are all working together to ensure owners know the dangers the warm weather can pose to dogs.

Many of the dogs were Chihuahuas or Chihuahua crosses.

Nearly 40 dogs were rescued from a flat in Surrey where they were living in cramped conditions.

The RSPCA rescued the 39 dogs, many of whom were Chihuahuas or Chihuahua crosses, from the Surrey property last month.

RSPCA Millbrook in Chobham has been caring for 27 of the dogs and the others are being cared for by other RSPCA centres and branches. With some TLC, many of them have now been rehomed but Bobby, Ziggy and Boo are still patiently waiting.