A LEADING animal charity fears dogs received as unwanted Christmas presents are already being abandoned after a puppy was found dumped in a pillowcase under the M53.

The puppy, believed to be a Staffy cross-breed, was handed into the RSPCA’s Wallasey Centre last week after a passer-by found it tied up in a pillow case under the motorway bridge close to the B&Q at Bidston Moss.

A black shar pei has also been found tied to a park bench in Wallasey, sparking concerns with the charity who say it is becoming a regular occurrence.

RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes said it is always “the animals that lose” in situations like this and urged anyone with information about the puppy to get in touch.

He said: “This could be the last of a litter that the owner was struggling to get rid of or even possibly an unwanted Christmas gift.

“People don’t realise that it is a criminal matter to just dump a pet you are responsible for and if caught, you will be put in front of magistrates.

“Yes, we see this sort of thing at this time of year but in recent times this is becoming a regular occurrence.”

Inspector Joynes said dogs are being bred “out of control” throughout Wirral and Merseyside to make extra cash.

He said: “Unfortunately this is the by-product.

“A sad scared little puppy dumped and left to die in freezing weather, it’s appalling.

“If people want a pet then they should, after a lot of thought, concentrate wholeheartedly on being a good owner and meeting the animal’s needs.

“But to take on animals with the sole intention of breeding them merely for financial gain is exactly why this sort of thing is happening. These people are creating a massive welfare problem and it is so sad that it is the animals that always lose.”

The female puppy has been taken in by the Wirral and Chester RSPCA Branch and staff say it is doing well.

The RSPCA are keen for anyone with information about the shar pei, which was found in Central Park in Wallasey, to get in touch.

Anyone with information about either dog should call the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 and ask for inspector Anthony Joynes.