People across Merseyside were "in tears" after a terrified puppy was found dumped in a park bush.
A four-month old bulldog-type puppy was found by a dog walker at the side of a footpath near Kirkdale Cemetery on Sunday.
The RSPCA was sent to the scene and found the terrified pup "struggling to walk" and "would have died of starvation if he had not been found".
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The finding has been met with outrage from people across Merseyside as some were "in tears" after hearing about the pup's journey - who has now been renamed Harry.
One ECHO reader said: "Why oh why would anyone do this to a poor defenceless animal? You wouldn’t do that to a child so why a puppy?"
Another said: "You're in safe hands now Harry, well done to the person that found him."
A third added: "This is so sad, I live round here and made me cry the poor thing reading this story has broke my heart."
Another wrote: "I'm sorry to say but only a human can do such a wicked thing to a helpless dog who only wants love."
RSPCA inspector Jo McDonald believes Harry was dumped due to his leg injuries and is now appealing for anyone who knows who is responsible to get in touch.
When found, the young pup was "curled up in a ball and was reluctant to move".
The heart-breaking images were shared on social media which caused devastation amongst ECHO readers.
Christine Kelly said: "How anyone could do this is beyond me, disgusting. I hope little Harry makes a full recovery and finds his forever home with people who will care for him."
Danielle Richards said: "Absolutely breaks my heart this."
Natalie Murray added: "Poor little thing, hope he gets a loving home soon. Why can people be so cruel."
Sharon Hesketh said: "Absolutely hearTbreaking. How could they live with themselves if they did dump him because he has bad legs."
Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
RSPCA Inspector Jo added: "“I am keen to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or who knows someone who had puppies like this recently to contact me.
“I fear the person who had this pup may have been a dog breeder and when they saw these deformities and realised it would cost money to have the pet treated, callously decided to throw him away like a piece of rubbish and left him frightened and alone."
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