This severely malnourished German Shepherd was found abandoned at Pasir Ris Farmway. The dog was believed to have been used for breeding by a puppy mill, says STOMPer Janice, and died soon afterwards.

She wrote in her email:

"On Jun 6, an emaciated female German Shepherd was found abandoned at Pasir Ris Farmway, struggling for survival.

"Penelope, a name given by the group of selfless volunteers who found her, was believed to be a dog used for breeding by one of the puppy mills.

"She was infested with ticks all over her body, from her snout to her paw.

"Every gap on her paws were covered with ticks.

"The volunteers sent Penelope to the vet immediately as she was severely malnourished and dehydrated.

"Further tests showed that she was dangerously anaemic and had several signs of infection in her body.

"The vet believed her to be 3 to 4 years old and she has indeed been bred before.

"Sadly, Penelope passed away shortly after being rescued.

"We call for stricter regulations on owners of puppy mills in Singapore.

"It's impractical for puppy mills to self-regulate, based on the current guidelines.

"Dogs kept as breeding tools in mills are kept under filthy conditions and majority of them have health problems."

STOMPer Jaslynn, who saw these pictures on an online forum, expressed her sympathies:

"My heart goes out to all the poor dogs in the puppy mill!

"This thing has been going on for 2 months.

"I've only seen volunteers helping the dogs.

"Where's the SPCA? Where is the relevant authority that controls the breeding of dogs in Singapore?

"Are they not taking action because if they knew about this and stepped in, the dogs will be put to sleep?

"Think twice before you buy a dog from the pet shops.

"Adoption may help reduce the number of dogs in the SPCA/ASD and stop this puppy mill issue."