In a heartrending scene, a mother dog and her six puppies are discovered chained in Ireland, evoking deep emotions.

Heartbreaking photos of a nursing dog and her six puppies have been shared around the world after they were found dumped and chained to a fence in County Roscommon, Ireland.

The 2-year-old lurcher mother was discovered tightly chained to a metal fence post, trying to nurse her puppies, who were so young they hadn’t even opened their eyes yet. They were left without food and water in a remote field.

A passerby found them and immediately called for help. The mother and her puppies were taken to a vet clinic operated by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA).

Rescuers believe they had been abandoned shortly after the mother gave birth. The vulnerable mom and her puppies were at risk, especially with the recent rainfall and cold weather.

The seven dogs were taken to the ISPCA’s national animal center for urgent veterinary assessment. Thankfully, they didn’t suffer any major health issues, despite enduring hunger and the biting cold.

ISPCA’s centers are often full, and resources are limited, but they are doing their best to provide care and find responsible homes for the animals they rescue.

The photos of the mother and her puppies elicited an outpouring of sadness and outrage from animal lovers on social media. Many called for stricter animal welfare laws and harsher penalties for animal abuse.

The mother dog, named Emmy Lou by her rescuers, wasn’t microchipped, making it difficult to trace back to an owner, even though microchipping is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom.

The puppies were named Billy Ray, Dixie, Dolly, Dotty, June, and Patsy. They will remain with the ISPCA until January 2020 when they will be old enough to be put up for adoption.

Let’s hope that Emmy Lou and her adorable puppies find loving forever homes and never have to experience such cruelty and abandonment again.