ANIMAL welfare experts are investigating after these three beautiful puppuies were found abandoned in the Forest of Dean.

The RSPCA has appealed for information after the three puppies, thought to be aged around 11 weeks old, were discovered by a member of the public on Sunday, December 30, in Stenders Court, The Stenders, Mitcheldean.

It is thought the pups – who have been named Packham, Twiggy and Harry after recent New Year’s honours recipients – were left at some point overnight.

The dogs, two boys and a girl, are now being cared for at an RSPCA centre and will be available for rehoming soon.

RSPCA inspector Suzi Smith, who is investigating for the charity, said: “We are urging anyone who has any information about how these dogs came to be abandoned to please contact us in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018.

“It is very important that we find out more information. We’re hoping somebody will recognise the puppies, and help us find out how they came to be abandoned.”

The Mitcheldean pups are some of the many animals rescued from cruelty, abuse, or neglect by the RSPCA during the festive season.

Their discovery comes after eight dogs were found abandoned in three different locations in Cheltenham and Gloucester on Monday, December 17, and Tuesday, December 18.

A spokeswoman said RSPCA inspectors were out 24/7 rescuing animals, from pets to livestock to wildlife, in all weathers and for many animals brought to safety it was the start of a long road to recovery and a new life.

The charity received 532 calls in Gloucestershire in December to its 24-hour cruelty hotline with concerns about animals in distress.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care go to www.rspca.org.uk/give