A heroic dog’s keen canine senses have led to the rescue of three puppies found dumped in a recycling bin.

In a post to Facebook earlier this week, the Bristol-based Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary described the lucky discovery.

“Three little collie cross puppies were found abandoned in Failand Woods in a recycling box,” the post’s caption reads.

“Luckily a dog out walking sniffed them out, and in a true 'lassie style' moment, alerted her owner to rescue them, thank goodness as we truly feel they wouldn't have survived a cold winter’s night.”

The dogs have since been seen by a vet and are currently in foster care while awaiting adoption.

The sanctuary’s post has since received more than 2000 reactions and 1000 shares.

Facebook users have expressed their disgust at their previous owner’s behaviour.

“You'd think if someone could get them into the woods in a box they could just as easily get them to a safe, warm, dry rescue/shelter, wouldn't you?” user Charlotte High wrote.

Holly Hedge has replied to her post by noting most sanctuaries in the UK do not charge a fee for surrendered animals.