RSPCA inspectors are investigating how a helpless puppy was torn apart from its mum and passed from pillar to post in Castleton.

Now three weeks old, Little Bear – as he’s been named by animal shelter staff – is being cared for by RSPCA worker Shirley Mellor.

She volunteered to foster the 12-day old pup after it was taken to the shelter in Redcross Street by a couple from Castleton.

She said: "They were very upset and had tried their best to look after him.

"Apparently, they were the third owners in 24 hours.

"The shocking thing is, at only 12 days old, his little eyes were only just opening.

"He should have been at home with his mum until he is at least six weeks old."

RSPCA inspectors believe that a couple of families in the Rochdale area may be breeding puppies for money.

Once they are born, however, they simply can’t be bothered to care for them until they are old enough.

Shirley said: "In this case, we believe he was sold to someone in Castleton, who then realised they couldn’t care for such a young puppy and passed him on.

"He was then passed on to this third couple from Castleton, who realised he needed proper attention and brought him to us."

She added: The worrying thing is that the other puppies in the litter may not have been so lucky as this one.

"Puppies have to be bottle fed with a special milk formula from the vet.

"Also, the puppies’ mother could be in a bad way.

"Worryingly, our inspector has told us this is not an isolated case."

Hopefully, for this little chap, his future is looking bright.

Shirley said: "He’s three weeks old now and has doubled in size – he could sit in the palm of my hand when he first arrived.

"He’s doing brilliant and everyone here at the animal centre has fallen in love with him.

"I have to set my alarm clock to get up and feed him during the night – it’s more tiring than having a baby – but it's all been worthwhile."

Once old enough to be re-homed, Little Bear will go to one of the RSPCA’s adoption centres.