Two puppies were "purposely" left to die in a box in Dublin, the DSPCA has said.
The eight-week-old dogs were discovered in the St Margaret's area on the north side of the city on a pile of rubbish on Wednesday.
The charity said it was alerted after receiving a call from a member of the public.
Pan and Crumb, as they have been named, were taken into the DSCPA's care.
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They both tested positive for parvovirus which can be fatal for dogs, especially young puppies.
They are both being treated with medication and it is hoped they will make a full recovery.
"They were purposely placed there and left to die. How anyone could do that is beyond belief," the DSPCA said.
Pan and Crumb. Picture by: DSPCAThe charity said it has "a very special foster lined up to care for them" as soon as its veterinary team feels it is safe for them to leave the shelter.
"A nice warm and loving home is where they should have always been, not thrown away like pieces of rubbish," it said.
"Thank you to the finder for hearing their cries, they may not have made it through the night without you.
"Life is so precious and to think that someone thought their lives meant absolutely nothing is unforgivable," it added.
The owner of the pups is being asked to contact the DSPCA so it can assist with the health and neutering of their mother.
"Dumping any animal is illegal and a prosecutable offence. People just need to ask for help," a spokesperson said.
