It was first feared that the thirteen newborn puppies had been abandoned. Madra Madra

A LITTER OF puppies found near the N59 in Co Galway have been returned to their mother after a successful public appeal.

Thirteen newborn puppies were discovered on Friday and placed into the care of Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue & Adoption (Madra), which immediately began to look for the pups’ mother.

It was first feared that the thirteen newborn puppies had been abandoned but, after locating the mother yesterday, it is now believed the pregnant dog had been frightened, got lost and gave birth alone.

The dog’s owners, who were unaware of the incident until they were notified of the appeal, have since shared an image of the puppies safely back where they belong, alongside their mother.

The puppies safely back where they belong alongside their mother. Madra Madra

Madra will facilitate their adoption in the coming months, and support the mother along the way. The animal welfare charity will spay the dog, once she has fully recovered, to prevent strain from further litters.

It has thanked those on social media and media outlets who shared the appeal to return the puppies to their owner and the volunteers who cared for the dogs whilst in Madra’s care.

It added that the puppies return represented the best-possible outcome.