Despite two weeks of three-hourly feeds, constant heating, cleaning and toileting, one of the two puppies, Henry, had to be euthanised after contracting an infection about a fortnight ago. 

Animal Medical Centre veterinary nurse Nadia Butler continues to care for five-week-old Sampson, the only puppy to survive the ordeal. 

“I think I can safely say he will make it,” she said. 

“We had a little scare … but he is fine now.”

Sampson has started eating solid foods and only requires four-hourly feeds. 

A cheeky and inquisitive puppy, Ms Butler said he definitely knows she’s his mum. 

“He is very naughty for everyone else, but calms down when I get there,” she said. 

Ms Butler said losing Henry broke her heart.

“He had an infection around his back legs, near where he had frostbite,” she said. 

“It was a downhill battle from there.” 

Anyone unable to care for an animal should contact the RSPCA or any vet clinic.

Under section nine of the Animal Welfare Act, a person found guilty of aggravated cruelty can be fined up to $31,600 and imprisoned for up to 60 months.

Anyone with information should contact the Animal Cruelty Hotline on 1300 139 947.