The bodies of six puppies were found dumped at the side of the road in Coleshill this week

RSPCA inspectors made the heartbreaking discovery in a layby off the junction of Amersham Road and Bottrells Lane in Coleshill on Wednesday afternoon after they were called by police. 

An investigation has now been launched - and the charity has issued a stark warning amid fears the dogs may have come from a puppy farm. 

RSPCA inspector Jaime Godfrey, who found the puppies, said they were wrapped up in two kids' t-shirts and a towel inside a bag that had been chucked onto the verge. 

He said: “It’s not clear how the puppies died and they weren’t microchipped or identifiable but due to the different breeds, my guess would be that they’ve come from a puppy farm nearby.

“There were three Labrador types, one Chihuahua, one Jack Russell terrier and another terrier type. The mixed bunch of breeds suggests that they were ‘waste’ from a nearby breeder trying to cash in during the run-up to Christmas.”

Inspector Godfrey is now investigating where the puppies came from and is appealing to anyone who may know who is responsible for dumping them or who saw anything suspicious in the area to get in touch by calling 0300 123 8018 and leaving a message.

He added: “It’s utterly heartbreaking that these poor puppies never had the chance to find a loving new home, to play with the children over the school holidays or to curl up in front of a fire on Christmas Day.

"And while that’s the image people have when they think of buying a puppy for Christmas, sadly this can sometimes be the reality. And, tragically, it’s something we see all too often.”