Boy, 12 leaves puppy in cardboard box outside shelter with a tragic note about abusive dad

A pit bull puppy was found in a cardboard box outside an animal shelter, along with a stuffed toy and heartbreaking message inside.

An animal shelter which was given an adorable pit bull puppy found a note from its heartbroken 12-year-old owner explaining why he had to give up his beloved dog.

The grey pup was left in a cardboard box outside the rescue centre with his favourite polar bear toy and a handwritten note from a boy who hoped the shelter could take care of his pet to save it from his abusive father.

The note reads: “My name is Andrés and I am 12 years old. My mom and I decided to leave my dog in your hands, hiding it from my dad because he is thinking about selling him.

“But he mistreats and kicks him. One day he kicked him so hard that he hurt his tail. I hope you can help and take care of him.

“I left him a stuffed animal so he won’t forget me.”

The pit bull is now in the care of Refugio Xollin, a rescue shelter in Michoacan, Mexico, where he will be nursed back to full health before being put up for adoption to find him a forever home, it’s been reported.