RSPCA inspectors are seeking to trace a man who dumped two tiny puppies in a Bradford garden in an act of “unspeakable” animal cruelty.

The charity has released footage of the “heartbreaking” moment when pups Pippin and Perdy – thought to be lhasa apsos – were tipped out of a white carrier bag over a wall into the front garden of a house in Sanderson Avenue, Wibsey.

CCTV shows that the animals were dumped shortly after 9.10pm on September 28, and the RSPCA - who were called at around 2.45am the following morning when the puppies were discovered -is appealing for information in helping to track down the culprit.

RSPCA inspector Sally Bamforth, who is investigating the incident, said: “The CCTV clearly shows a man walk past and then stop before holding a carrier bag over the wall and tipping it out into the garden.

“Then, as he walks away, he pauses as the two tiny, disorientated puppies appear from underneath a bush and potter across the lawn.

“The footage shows the man wrapped up in a big coat so it was obviously a cold night and you can see lashings of rain across the camera.

“These puppies were tiny, far too young to be away from their mum and were practically bald due to a nasty skin infection. They must have been freezing and it’s a miracle that they survived until they were discovered.

“To abandon any animal is cruel but to dump these tiny, vulnerable puppies like this is just unspeakable.

“Watching the footage is heartbreaking, anything could have happened to these little pups.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to those people who found them and called us so we could get them to a vet.”

The puppies - a male and female - are now being cared for by staff at RSPCA Preston & District branch.

Pippin and Perdy, as they’ve been named by staff at the centre, are receiving treatment and regular baths to treat their skin infection.

Georgina Meeks, who has been looking after the pair, said: “They are doing really well. They love their food, they scoff it down. And they’re really perky, very playful, and extremely affectionate.

“They absolutely love each other and cuddle up together for naps - it’s so cute.”

Inspector Bamforth would like to hear from anyone with information about the man seen in the CCTV, or anyone who believes they know where the puppies came from.

She said: “Ultimately I’m investigating the abandonment of these pups, but I’m also concerned for the welfare of their mother.

“Anyone with information should call our appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leave me a message.”

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals, visit www.rspca.org.uk/give.