Abandoned pups found on Donauinsel

The puppies were found by police in a bush on Thursday, during a routine patrol. There were clearly all emaciated and dehydrated.

The animals are now being cared for at Vienna’s animal shelter in Vösendorf.

A vet said the puppies were probably only two months old, and that their condition is improving “but they still need time to recover”.

Irina Fronescu, from the animal charity Vier Pfoten (Four Paws) said that many pets are abandoned at this time of year, as people go on holiday and don't know what to do with them.

However, due to the young age of the puppies she believes they were victims of the illegal puppy trade. "Very often illegal puppy traders cross the border to sell puppies in Austria (from Hungary, Czech Republic, or Slovakia), and if they fail to sell them in time they just get rid of them," she said.

Vier Pfoten has launched an international campaign to fight the illegal puppy trade.