An animal sanctuary has been swamped with demand for eight “gorgeous” spaniel pups and their mum after their plight was revealed.

KentOnline reported how the pregnant dog was found tied to a tree and abandoned in woods near Wye.

She was fortunately found in the nick of time by dog walkers and taken to the Lord Whisky Sanctuary in Stelling Minnis where she gave birth soon after.

Our report sparked a huge response from readers and now mum, called Faith, and her pups have all been found new homes.

“The phone was ringing off the hook for almost for three days and we had at least 200 inquiries,” said sanctuary owner Margaret Todd.

“But the new owners are known to us because most have previously had a rescue dog, so we’re confident they are going to good homes.

“And we have made sure that Faith is keeping one of her pups.”

Despite the happy ending, Mrs Todd says it was a heartbreaking story that could have had a very tragic outcome if the spaniel had not been found in time.

“She is such a sweet dog but would have really struggled if she had to give birth in the woods on her own and she could have even died along with her pups,” she added.

“We are finding more and more pet owners are giving up their animals because they can’t afford them or their housing circumstances have changed.

“But It’s hard to understand why someone would cruelly leave her like that because it was quite a remote area and there was no guarantee she would be found.

“We always knew there would be a big demand for the pups because they are gorgeous but it was overwhelming.

“It has been a pleasure and a delight looking after them and hopefully there is now a happy ending for them all.”