THESE three-week-old pups need your help after being bred for sale as Christmas presents.

The miniature Dachshund puppies and mum Olive arrived in the RSPCA’s care last month, undergoing round-the-clock specialist care.

Now the puppies are in need of a family who will give them some TLC with more than 500 people - some as far as Thailand - already applying for the responsibility.

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolf are not yet ready to go to their new homes but it is hoped the rehoming process will be under way ahead of New Year.

Staff from RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District are also making a public appeal for puppy food and toys so they can all settle into their new homes with ease.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Manager Julie Cockroft said: “We have to have one member of staff constantly allocated to these puppies as even the simplest of tasks - such as checking and cleaning their teeth - can take ages with nine wriggly, little puppies.

“They need a lot of care and, also, a lot of specialist things so if any members of the public are able to help by making donations or dropping off any useful items then that would be hugely helpful. We’re particularly looking for puppy food and toys to keep them entertained."

If you’d like to apply for one of the pups please check out their online profile and submit your application form before Saturday (December 7) at midnight.

The centre has asked that members of the public remain patient as it will take them some time to go through all of the applications and they may not be able to respond to everyone. Please do not call the centre to ask about the puppies as this could prevent an emergency call from coming in.

Julie added: "We’ve only got nine puppies and we’ve already got hundreds of families who are interested so we would love if people could look at some of the other dogs in our care who are also hoping to find their forever homes.

“If you aren’t matched with one of the puppies then please do consider their mum, Olive, (pictured below) or one of our other dogs such as Stella or Max.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

“While we do ask for an adoption donation for each of the dogs we rehome, we always end up at a loss - particularly with puppies who require a lot of specialist food, round-the-clock care and veterinary treatments. So if anyone would like to donate whatever they can spare to help cover our costs for caring for these puppies and all of the other animals we’re helping in the run-up to Christmas and over the festive season, we’d be hugely grateful.”