There will be 11 dogs, including 7 pups, available to be re-homed after rescue in Tipperary

Seven puppies are among 11 dogs which were rescued by the ISPCA in Tipperary, after they were found to be living without access to food, shelter and water.

The animals were living in muddy conditions and some had chains around their necks.

A heavily pregnant German Shepherd was among the rescued animals.

She later gave birth to six puppies at the ISPCA National Animal Centre.

Another female German shepherd was found with a heavy chain attached to her, which had begun to embed itself into her neck.

Five puppies were confined to a run with no food or water, and had very little access to shelter. The other two puppies were found in a pen filled with hazardous objects, including old machinery, and little room to move around.

All 11 dogs were surrendered to the care of the ISPCA and are receiving vet treatment and assessments at the ISPCA Equine Rescue Centre in Mallow, Co. Cork, and the ISPCA's facility in Co. Longford.

The ISPCA said that, despite their ordeal, the dogs all have lovely temperaments and alll of them, including the newborn puppies, will be available for re-homing once they are well enough.

ISPCA Inspector Lacey said: "The living conditions these dogs were being kept in were completely unacceptable. With the winter months coming in, the health and welfare of the dogs would have been severely compromised without adequate shelter, food and water.

"Thankfully, all the dogs are now receiving the vet treatment they need, and the pregnant dog is now in a safe and suitable environment for her and her puppies."