An adorable puppy with mange and worms has been dumped in Worcestershire.

Dilly the dachshund was found in the Wychavon area earlier this month after being abandoned.

The tiny pup had mange, was worm bound and undernourished.

The dog warden for Worcestershire has urged people to stop going to illegal dog breeders.

“Stop buying from illegal ‘greedy breeders’,” the warden said.

“Illegal breeders are selling ill and undernourished puppies to people who, then faced with huge vet bills, possibly dump them.

“We are also finding older female dogs who are dumped after having multiple births and being no use to these breeders who want to make a fast buck."

Evesham Journal: Dilly the puppy was found with mangeDilly the puppy was found with mange (Image: Wychavon District Council)

Dilly was the latest in a number of stray pups to have been dumped in Worcestershire.

Wychavon District Council has advised people to adopt from “reputable agencies” rather than going to breeders.

Such agencies in the county include the RSPCA, Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, and Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter.

A spokesperson for Wychavon said: “It’s heart-breaking to see the torture these animals go through when all they want is our love and to trust us.

“You can help put these unscrupulous, uncaring, and unsympathetic breeders out of business and end the suffering to these beautiful animals.”

Anyone concerned about the welfare of a dog is urged to call Worcestershire Regulatory Services on 01905 822 799.

READ MORE: Animal rescue 'staggered' after being flooded with 60 unwanted kittens

Evesham Journal: Dilly was found abandoned earlier this monthDilly was found abandoned earlier this month (Image: Wychavon District Council)

READ MORE: Heart-breaking statistics about abandoned pets in Worcestershire

In September, the local branch of the RSPCA reported a huge spike in reports of abandoned animals.

From January to June, the charity received 197 reports in Worcestershire alone.

Claire Wood, one of the Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch's volunteers, said: "Incidents like this take a terrible toll on the physical and emotional wellbeing of staff and volunteers.

"Sadly it’s something that rescue centres like ours are seeing day in, day out, and we are working round the clock to care for an ever-increasing number of sick, abandoned and unwanted animals who are being left to fend for themselves.

“We despair at how this not only keeps on happening but how much worse it appears to be getting.”