A PREGNANT dog, dumped by her heartless owner, has become a proud mum to five tiny puppies just days after being rescued.

The abandoned husky was in danger of being knocked over and killed after she was cruelly abandoned in the Elmstead Market area.

Fortunately, Lynda Hilliard, of Balls Farm, Elmstead Market, spotted the mum-to-be and managed to save her.

Tendring Council dog warden Allen East picked her up and took her into kennels, where staff named her Poppy.

She gave birth to five puppies on Sunday night.

The council said no-one had come forward to claim Poppy, who had not been micro-chipped, and she was probably dumped deliberately.

The new mum is now recovering with her pintsized pups.

Council environment boss Michael Talbot said: “I cannot believe that anyone would simply abandon such a heavily pregnant dog, but that appears to have been the case here.

“I can only thank Mrs Hilliard for her actions and for calling the dog warden.

“At least they all now have the chance of finding suitable homes.”

The council said the puppies would be rehomed when they were fit and healthy in about ten weeks’ time.

  • Dog owners have less than a year to make sure their pets are microchipped before it becomes compulsory. From April 6 next year, new laws will mean all dogs must have the identification.

About 1.8 million dogs across the country are still not microchipped.