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An abandoned dog stunned workers at an animal charity by giving birth to 12 puppies just two days after it was rescued.

Staffordshire bull terrier Darla was at risk of being dumped on the streets after her owners were evicted.

The heavily pregnant pooch was taken in by animal charity Blue Cross on October 10.

But 48 hours later staff were shocked when one-year-old Darla had a litter of 12 puppies, six boys and six girls, who already have homes to go to. But tired mum Darla is still seeking a new owner.

(Image: Blue Cross / Helen Yates / SWNS)

It was the largest litter born at the rehoming centre in Ipswich, Suffolk.

Animal welfare assistant Bradley Tovell said: “When we received a call asking us to help Darla, we couldn’t turn her away. She was likely to go into labour any day and as her owners were being evicted, she faced having her pups on the streets.

“Thankfully we did have room at our inn, or rather kennels because within two days of admitting her, Darla’s pups had arrived.

(Image: Blue Cross / Helen Yates / SWNS)

“Twelve puppies is a large litter for any dog, let alone a dog of Darla’s petite size. She is doing amazing and we are so proud of her.

“Because she has so many mouths to feed, we have been helping her out by supplementing the puppies’ mealtimes with bottles four times a day.

“Poor Darla has been too exhausted to eat, so we have been hand feeding her too.”

The whole family will stay in Blue Cross care until the puppies are old enough to be weaned and leave their mum after eight weeks.