These cute little puppies were saved by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home after their heavily pregnant mum was found dumped, wandering the streets of London.

The homeless mum of Bear, Elsie, Heather, Mable, Moo and Ursula was unable to give birth naturally and had to undergo an emergency caesarean. She was not strong enough to survive.

Her Staffordshire Bull Terrier babies were taken to Battersea, where staff gave them the 24-hour care that ensured their survival.

Now, as the puppies turn seven weeks old, the charity has raised concerns that thousands more are being bred for profit and dumped when breeders cannot sell them.

A statement from the charity warned that backstreet breeding often takes place in dirty and squalid conditions.

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They have launched a campaign and called for a ban on the sale of puppies under eight weeks old.

Carly Whyborn, Battersea’s head of operations, said: “Every day Battersea sees the consequences of backstreet breeding, from unwanted puppies to breeding bitches who have served their purpose.

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“We must do everything we can to help bring an end to this careless and selfish practice that leaves so many dogs without a home.”

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Seven puppies were born, but one fell ill and died at just two weeks old.

All of the surviving puppies have new homes to go to.

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