WARNING CONTAINS UPSETTING IMAGE. The RSPCA has launched an investigation after two newborn pug puppies were found dead in a hedgerow near Norwich.

Eastern Daily Press: One of the pug puppies discovered by a walker along Ringland Lane in Weston Longville. Picture RSPCA.One of the pug puppies discovered by a walker along Ringland Lane in Weston Longville. Picture RSPCA. (Image: Archant)

The shocking discovery was made by a walker along Ringland Lane in Weston Longville at approximately 1.30pm on Sunday February 11.

He found the tiny dogs, thought to be newly born, half way down the road at the junction of Church Street where they had been thrown into the thick hedgerow.

RSPCA inspector Deborah Pert has launched an investigation to find out who was responsible.

She said: 'This was a very upsetting sight and it's unbelievable to think that somebody thought it was okay to just throw away these tiny puppies like this - they were so young they even had their umbilical cords still attached.

'It's unclear whether the pups were already dead when they were thrown into the hedge like rubbish, which is horrific.'

During the last year the RSPCA has seen the effects of a soaring demand for a number of fashionable breeds and has started to see an increase in the number of these breeds coming into its care, including pugs and French bulldogs.

Inspector Pert added: 'Sadly, it's not uncommon for us to be called out to dumped, dead puppies, due to the huge amount of illegal puppy breeding and dealing in this country. The people who breed these puppies for profit just see pound signs - not living sentient beings that feel pain like we do, and if they fall ill and a vet's bill will outweighs what someone will pay for the puppy then irresponsible breeders will not treat it.

'I am now very concerned about the puppies' mother and any potential littermates.'

Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA's appeal line number on 0300 123 8018.