The RSPCA are caring for seven abandoned, starving and shivering puppies after being dumped outside in a locked metal cage during last weekend’s Storm Claudia. And the shocked charity’s staff have named the unwanted puppies after storms – Bram, Dave, Eddie, Marty, Oscar, Patrick and Wubbo.
The terrified 10 week-old male terrier-cross pups were found by staff outside the Doncaster and Rotherham District RSPCA branch on arrival at work at 8am on Saturday 15th November. The frightened young dogs were cramped in the metal cage and had no food and water. They are now in the care of the branch where they will remain until they are ready to be rehomed.
Daniel Cartwright, Branch Manager, said: “They are doing really well and all appear healthy. It is heartbreaking to think that someone has just discarded them like this.
“The puppies were in a crate at the side of a main road, not even close to our building. They were left in conditions that put them in harm’s way, especially with the cold and rainy weather we were having at the weekend.
“Fortunately we don’t think they had been there too long – they were wet and cold and confused – but they soon enjoyed the fuss and attention from our staff. They were bathed and tucked up in cosy blankets and given some food.
“They are in safe hands now and we will continue to care for them until they are ready to be put up for adoption.”
Their abandonment comes as the RSPCA this week launches an urgent appeal – The Big Give Back to Animals – in the hope of raising vital funds to keep frontline teams rescuing animals, like these puppies, through the cold winter months.
The charity is bracing itself for increased abandonment reports in winter, with RSPCA frontline rescuers currently doing all they can to help animals experiencing the very worst cruelty and neglect.
Daniel added: “It’s always very sad to see pets who are in desperate need of medical care being left in circumstances such as this.
“We would urge anyone who is struggling to look after their animals – at what is a very difficult economic time for many people – to seek help and support when their pet first needs help, rather than simply abandoning an animal in their moment of need.
“We are keen to speak to the person who left these puppies so we can find out about their medical history and we would urge them to get in touch with us.”
For those who find themselves struggling, there are many reputable animal welfare charities who can offer help and advice and the RSPCA encourages anybody in a difficult situation to seek support.
The charity has launched a dedicated cost of living hub to signpost the help out there for people and has more than 200 Pet Food Bank Partnerships across the country to support struggling pet owners.
