Border Small Animal Rescue’s Belinda Blom said it’s not known how many hours the six Border Collie had been at the Gundagai pound before they were found by a ranger coming to tend to animals on Saturday.

Ms Blom said if it had been any hotter on the day, euthanasia could have been the only option for the pups, six weeks, and mother, 18 months.

She said there was no reason to abandon unwanted pets when there were so many rescues available.

“There’s a right way and a wrong way,” she said. “To dump pups and their mum in the pound separated, so they can’t physically be near each other, is very distressing.

“Something traumatic can stay with puppies for the rest of their lives and can create issues.”

Ms Blom said the pups were anemic, underfed, riddled with fleas and worms, and one had a broken leg she believes happened two weeks ago.

Despite the mum's young age, the pups were not her first litter.

The mother, nicknamed Mumma, was severely emaciated, flea and worm ridden but had avoided physical injury from being dumped.

Ms Blom said despite their traumatic start in life, with socialisation and rehab, the dogs had a good chance at being adoptable.

“She’s the sweetest dog, even with everything she’s been through she still trusts humans,” she said.

“It’s shocking this can be done to such a sweet girl and little pups.”

Ms Blom said her small rescue had been overwhelmed with the support they received since sharing the family’s story on Facebook.

“We’ve been absolutely flooded with donations, the response has been tremendous – it’s really blown us away,” she said. 

RSPCA NSW could not comment on the specific incident but said the penalty for animal cruelty could be up to 5 years in prison and/or a $22,000 fine.