Seven puppies have died after being dumped in bin bags and left to die.
In all, eight Spaniel and Shih Tzu crossbreeds were found in two separate bags in Runcorn last Thursday.
Sadly, four Spaniels in one of the bags were already dead - it is not know whether they died before being put in the bag or not.
The four survivors were taken in by Ark Angels rescue centre in Bradley, on the Wrexham-Chester border, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The six-week-old pups were named Rose, Candy, Cupid and Teddy by the team there.
All four - three Shiz Tzus and a Spaniel - were found to have the highly contagious parvovirus, which can make dogs severely unwell.
It is understood the incident was reported to Cheshire Police and the RSPCA.
Despite intensive care from Ark Angels and vets, three of the puppies - Rose, Candy and Cupid - died.
Kelly Roberts, founder of Ark Angels rescue centre, said the puppies were dumped "like a bag of rubbish".
She said: "It's sad, very sad.
"This is maybe the worst case in the last couple of years in my experience."
Puppy Teddy is now the only surviving dog and Kelly said he is in "very, very critical" condition, and the chances of surviving parvovirus at such a young age is "very low".
Kelly said: "Ted is still very, very critical and really poorly. We won't really know until the weekend.
"Hopefully he starts to eat himself, because at the moment he is being tube fed.
"Losing the last three over the weekend, his little friend, brothers and sisters has been traumatic for him.
"So it's trying to find out what is fear after being tossed away in a binbag and what is him losing his little brothers and sisters, with being extremely poorly as well which has had a huge impact on him."
Ark Angels is fundraising for Teddy's treatment and donations can be made here.
Cheshire Police and the RSPCA were approached for a statement.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea
