STARVED and full of fleas, a Warrington animal charity says these gorgeous puppies are lucky to be alive.

But they are now on the road to recovery and looking for forever homes thanks to Warrington Animal Welfare (WAW).

The seven unwanted mix breed puppies were rescued from a local back yard breeder by the cause.

When they arrived at the charity’s rescue centre off Slutchers Lane, the puppies were starved and infested with fleas.

Now the puppies have built up to a healthy weight and have been given a clean bill of health from the vets, the group are all looking for new homes.

Janet Thornton, trustee at Warrington Animal Welfare, said; “Our charity exists to pick up the pieces of irresponsible breeding.

"The breeders do not see these puppies as living things who need love and care.

"To these breeders, the puppies were just an easy way to make money, with no consideration for their welfare.

"These puppies are the lucky ones as they will now have a happy and healthy future.”

Many puppies every year are abandoned by back yard breeders.

Whether that is because they have gone to unsuitable homes and then been given up or because breeders no longer want the puppies if they can’t sell them.

WAW was set up in 1983 to reduce the amount of unwanted pets by promoting responsible pet ownership and neutering.

To support the cause visit justgiving.com/warringtonanimalwelfare or text NEUT 29 (plus the amount) e.g. NEUT29 £10 to 70070.