An image of a puppy in a cage has gone viral on Facebook as the story behind it emerges.

The photo surfaced on Facebook earlier this month depicting a little white dog in a metal cage while a red box with food hangs outside.

Blake Taylor, who uploaded the photo, claims the box seen in the picture “can be filled with enough food and water to last seven days”.

“That means the puppy mill owner can stock those, walk away and they won’t have to return for a week,” he wrote.

It is unclear when the photo was taken or where the puppy farm is, but it is believed to be in North America.

The photo been shared more than 269,000 times at the time of publication and unfortunately, it is a disturbing scenario some dogs in Australia experience as well.

Animal Welfare League (AWL) chief inspector Sarah Stimson told Yahoo7 this was “the sad and alarming reality” many inspectors face.

“The conditions observed in this photo unfortunately depict deplorable conditions too many animals are exposed to every day,” she said.

“Each investigation whether a puppy mill or not, can have a range of concerning and highly disturbing practices going on in which AWL NSW works tirelessly towards ending.”

When asked if she had seen similar red boxes used before, Ms Stimson said “yes”.

“I can confirm similar boxes or devices have been seen,” she said.

“I would have massive concerns if this (the dogs being fed once a week) is the case.

“Animals need to be attended to at minimum once daily to be provided their basic needs.”

She added “going off the photo there are definitely concerns which would warrant an investigation”.

Ms Stimson said if the case were in NSW there “may be numerous breaches” under the NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice for breeding dogs and cats, and offences under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979.

‘Unhygienic and overcrowded’

RSPCA NSW veterinary scientific officer Dr Jade Norris told Yahoo7 puppy farming was “a major welfare problem” across the country.

“Puppy farms across Australia are usually very unhygienic and overcrowded,” Dr Norris said.

“The environment is often covered in urine and faeces.

“Dogs in Australian puppy farms are often confined in small cages and may not be let out for a walk or even to go to the toilet.”

She added operators of puppy farms “tend to hide their activities” and encouraged anyone interested in getting a puppy to check RSPCA’s guide.

Many Facebook users were horrified by the picture.

“Hell hole on Earth,” one woman wrote.

Another called it “pure evil”.

“Makes a person want to throw up,” one man wrote.

Do you know more or have a story tip? Email: y7newsroom@yahoo7.com.au.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo7’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.