OFFICIALS have urged people struggling with their pets to ask for help, after two dogs were found in a cardboard box in Darlington.

Two male Jack Russell terriers, one adult and one puppy, were found in an alley way in Cotherstone Moor Crescent, in the Firthmoor area of the town, on Tuesday (October 8) evening.

Dog warden Andy Wood said the puppy is probably only a couple of weeks old.

Both dogs appear to have physical deformities, said Mr Wood.

An investigation is under way as to how the dogs came to be abandoned and they are being cared for at Deerness Kennels, near Durham.

Mr Wood said: “If people cannot cope with their dogs they need to contact ourselves as we may be able to help, otherwise they may face prosecutions for abandoning their dog.”

The dog warden team can be contacted on 01325-388799.