The RSPCA are set to highlight the cruelty inflicted on animals in Leeds and the north of England in a 7-day campaign.



Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal faces six months in prison and a £20,000 fine.



Over 700 abandoned animals have already been rescued across the region over the past four months.



A dumped puppy was found taped up in a cardboard nappy box by a member of the public.



The nine-week old German Shepherd puppy was found dumped on Fernfield Terrace in Halifax.



Another case last year involved a dog being thrown out of a car onto a lay-by leaving it stranded along the M621.



The campaign also includes a picture of a recently rescued puppy found dumped in Birstall near Batley.



The litter of five puppies were discovered by a member of the public in a field on Field Head Lane.



All the puppies were playing in a field near a footpath and it was obvious that they had been dumped.



An RSPCA inspector said, ‘It’s shocking that anyone could abandon any animal in this way, especially such young puppies.



‘They were all in good physical condition, which suggested that they had once belonged to someone.’



Figures from last year revealed that over 30,000 wild, exotic, farm and domestic animals were being badly treated.



All the animals were rescued from either dangerous or distressing situations.



The north regional superintendent said, ‘The RSPCA works around the clock to rescue thousands of animals every year and 2007 was no exception.



‘If people have pets they cannot care for, for any reason, then help and advice is always available. It is an offence to abandon any animal and there is never any excuse for doing so.’