Two puppies who were abandoned on a roadside with their umbilical cords attached are set to go to new homes.

James and Elvis were found alongside another puppy by a member of the public in a ditch in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, on September 27, when they were just days old.

The three tiny puppies were stone cold, lying among rubbish, with maggots festering in their wounds and it is believed they had been dumped by someone who didn't want to care from them.

They were handed into the USPCA rescue centre in Newry, County Down, where staff fought to save them.

Sadly, the third puppy, who was the smallest of the litter, deteriorated and died the night they arrived.

But James and Elvis slowly got stronger and have been living with a foster mum Lorna, who works as a vet with the charity, until they were old enough to find their forever homes.

After nursing the puppies from the moment they arrived, Lorna decided to keep James as a permanent member of the family but Elvis, now around two months old, was put up for adoption this week.

After hearing their story, members of the public flooded the centre with so many applications, they had to close the list within days.

Once staff have assessed the applications and found someone suitable, Elvis will also be heading to meet a new family.

Colleen Tinnelly, USPCA Development Manager said: “We are in disbelief that there are individuals out there who would carry out this act and not think twice.

"No animal deserves to die at the side of the road, especially when there are organisations like the USPCA who work to safeguard animals’ lives and provide them with loving homes."

Two puppies who were abandoned on a roadside with their umbilical cords attached are set to go to new homes.

James and Elvis were found alongside another puppy by a member of the public in a ditch in Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, on 27 September, when they were just days old.

The three tiny puppies were stone cold, lying among rubbish, with maggots festering in their wounds and it is believed they had been dumped by someone who didn't want to care from them.

They were handed into the USPCA rescue centre in Newry, Co. Down, where staff fought to save them.

Sadly, the third puppy, who was the smallest of the litter, deteriorated and died the night they arrived.

But James and Elvis slowly got stronger and have been living with a foster mum Lorna, who works as a vet with the charity, until they were old enough to find their forever homes.

After nursing the puppies from the moment they arrived, Lorna decided to keep James as a permanent member of the family but Elvis, now around two months old, was put up for adoption this week.

After hearing their story, members of the public flooded the centre with so many applications, they had to close the list within days.

Once staff have assessed the applications and found someone suitable, Elvis will also be heading to meet a new family.

Colleen Tinnelly, USPCA Development Manager said: “We are in disbelief that there are individuals out there who would carry out this act and not think twice.

"No animal deserves to die at the side of the road, especially when there are organisations like the USPCA who work to safeguard animals’ lives and provide them with loving homes."

ENDS