Three puppies were found locked up in a rusty cage left in an alleyway.

The eight-week-old trio of cocker spaniels were found abandoned in an Edgware alleyway, off Handel Way, with no food or water on November 25.

This Is Local London: The dogs were found in Edgware without food or drinkThe dogs were found in Edgware without food or drink (Image: RSPCA)

RSPCA animal rescue officer Holly Walker said: “These helpless little puppies had been cruelly dumped in an old cage with no food or water.

“The two little boys and one girl are only about eight weeks old, still too young to look after themselves.”

This Is Local London: Now the dogs are being fed and appear much happierNow the dogs are being fed and appear much happier (Image: RSPCA)

After they were found, they were rushed to Finsbury Park Animal Hospital on Sonderburg Road.

This Is Local London: The three dogs have since been rescuedThe three dogs have since been rescued (Image: RSPCA)

They were treated for mange – a skin condition which results in bald patches – and will soon be on their journey to find a new home.

Ms Walker continued: “Thankfully, the puppies seem to be quite happy and settled, and once their mange has cleared up, they will be cared for at a boarding establishment before being found forever homes.”

This Is Local London: The dogs will soon find their forever homeThe dogs will soon find their forever home (Image: RSPCA)

The RSPCA has launched a Christmas campaign in response to a 25 per cent rise in animals abandoned this year and fears of this increasing even more after Christmas.

To donate and help the charity in its rehabilitation scheme, visit http://bit.ly/3HmImTF or call 0300 123 8181.