A SCOTTISH animal charity has issued a fresh appeal for donations after dozens of puppies were found hidden in the back of a lorry at a ferry port.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) said 24 puppies had been rescued after being found in the back of a lorry at Cairnryan ferry port in Dumfries and Galloway.

The puppies were in cardboard boxes without food or water and were found to have life-threatening diseases.

The National:  (Image: SSPCA)In a post on Twitter/X, the charity said: “Thankfully, they were found in time. And following veterinary treatment from our vet and animal care teams, they are all on the road to recovery.

“We estimate that their rescue and care will cost us £25,000 - almost half of what it costs us to run the Scottish SPCA every day.”

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The charity urged people to donate to its crowdfunding campaign, adding: “We receive no government funding, and can’t do our work without your help.

“Please be part of the rescue of these puppies and make a vital donation to our crowd funder today.”

The crowdfunder has so far raised £17,236, as of 8pm on Friday.

The National:  (Image: SSPCA)

A spokesperson for the charity said: “We also urge anyone with information about this incident to reach out to us confidentially on 03000 999 999.

“Please note that we are not currently taking rehoming applications for these puppies as they are receiving ongoing care.”

You can donate to the fundraiser here.