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Pictured: The tiny puppies can fit into the palm of your hand

WITH VIDEO: https://youtu.be/eJ3kZ_lyxeM

A litter of puppies have defied the odds to be born healthy at an animal shelter after their pregnant mum was rescued in the nick of time from a squalid breeding den.

The plucky female shih-tzu, called Fergie, was one of 96 dogs found by horrified RSPCA officers living in appalling conditions in a cramped house.

Fergie, who had been used as a 'breeding machine' by her unscrupulous owner, was heavily pregnant but suffering from severe malnutrition with matted fur covered in fleas.

She has now given birth to five adorable puppies at the Gables Cats and Dogs Home in Plymouth, Devon.