A DEVASTATING discovery of a dead puppy dumped in Shotton has been met with outrage.

Karen Moloney said she saw a washing basket dumped on the car park near her home over the weekend and when she checked on Monday morning, it sadly contained the body of a puppy.

She told the Leader the area is rife for fly tipping and she had a 'strange feeling' about the washing basket.

She said: "A lot of people dump everything on the car park, the council are always there taking the rubbish and there's been a lot of complaints.

"I saw the washing basket there over the weekend but with working I couldn't check it until this morning. It just didn't look right.

"It had a pillow over it so I went and looked and it was awful. There was the body of a three or four week old puppy and because it was so cold last night it was frozen.

"It upset me. I'm an animal lover myself and I would have taken it in.

"I phoned the council this morning to inform them and they said they would be sending someone there right away."

Karen said the puppy has since been removed.

She added: "I am worried about the increase in abandoned dogs in the run up to Christmas.

"This little puppy must have been a cross, it was black and had really long legs.

"It brought tears to my eyes. We have a lot of flats around here and flytipping is a regular issue. I think this must have been the runt of the litter.

"It's just awful. I've had dogs growing up and when they die you bury them in the garden or take it the vets, you do it properly. That poor little puppy.

"There are little kids who walk that way to school, what if they found it?

"Rachel Williams in the flat above me had to comfort me because I was so heartbroken. It's such a sad thing to see."

Rachel said: "I came in from work this morning and my neighbour went out to her car and just out of curiosity looked into the basket to find a small puppy dead.

"I heard her scream so I went outside to see what was going on and that’s when I saw it was a puppy. I’m disgusted that somebody could be so evil to do that."

The RSPCA is urging people thinking of getting a dog to consider rescuing rather than buying.

A spokesman said: "RSPCA Cymru is very saddened to hear about this incident which must have been so upsetting for someone to find.

“We’re not aware of how this puppy died - whether it was in suspicious circumstances or of natural causes - but whichever the case it is very sad to think the puppy has been dumped in a washing basket.

“If you’re thinking of buying a puppy the RSPCA urges you to consider rescuing. If buying from a breeder, we advise people should be really careful before parting with their money and taking home a dog. If you have concerns or are suspicious of the seller then please walk away and contact the RSPCA and local council.

“Anyone who is buying a puppy should use The Puppy Contract which can help ensure you bring home a happy and healthy dog.

“This year, the RSPCA is also concerned that with the financial strain of the Coronavirus crisis, more people may struggle to care for their pets and could see a rise in them being abandoned or neglected, putting more pressure on the charity’s rescue teams than ever before.

“Last winter In Wales, the charity dealt with 4,171 incidents across the winter period (Dec, Jan, Feb) and 1,410 in December alone.

"To help our rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need us, visit www.rspca.org.uk/xmas and Join the Christmas Rescue #JoinTheRescue."