An animal charity has issued an appeal after 13 newborn puppies were found in an isolated area off the N59 in Co Galway, between Bushypark and Woodstock.
The puppies came under the care of Madra, a group based in Camas in Conamara, that cares for stray dogs and puppies.
Five puppies have since died.
It is believed that the puppies were born last Thursday.
The mother of the puppies is still missing.
Gráinne Ní Mháille, who is a secretary for the group said: "The pups need their mother, and the mother needs the pups.
"She's just had these pups, and now they're gone. She is scared, worried and she's producing milk, which very dangerous in terms of her own health.
"We want to be able to reunite the mother with her pups."
Madra have stated that members of the public who find stray puppies should contact the group or their local vet immediately.
