Heartbreak as seven puppies cruelly abandoned in a cage during UK storm | UK | News
The RSPCA is caring for seven abandoned, starving and shivering puppies after they were thrown out of a locked metal cage during Storm Claudia last weekend. And shocked charity staff named the unwanted puppies after storms: Bram, Dave, Eddie, Marty, Oscar, Patrick and Wubbo.
The terrified 10-week-old male terrier-cross pup was found by staff outside the Doncaster and Rotherham District RSPCA branch when they arrived at work at 8am on Saturday, November 15. Frightened young dogs were stuck in a metal cage and had no food or water. They are now in the custody of the branch, where they will remain until they are ready to be rehomed.
Branch Manager Daniel Cartwright said: “They are doing really well and all look healthy. It’s heartbreaking to think someone would throw them away like this.”
“The puppies were in a crate on the side of the main road, not even close to our building. They were left in conditions that put them in danger, especially due to the cold and wet weather we experienced over the weekend.
“Fortunately, we don’t think they were there for very long – they were wet, cold and confused – but they soon enjoyed the care and concern from our staff. “They were bathed, wrapped in cozy blankets and given some food.
“They are now in good hands and we will continue to care for them until they are ready for adoption.”
Their abandonment comes as the RSPCA launched an urgent appeal this week – The Big Give Back to Animals – in the hope of raising vital funds to enable frontline teams to save animals like these puppies during the cold winter months.
The charity is bracing for increased reports of abandonment during the winter months; RSPCA frontline rescuers are doing all they can to help animals currently experiencing the worst cruelty and neglect.
Daniel added: “It is always heartbreaking to see pets in desperate need of medical care abandoned in situations like this.
“At a very difficult economic time for many people, we urge anyone struggling to care for their pet to seek help and support when their pet needs first aid, rather than abandoning an animal in its time of need.
“We would very much like to speak to the person who dropped off these puppies so we can find out their medical history and we encourage them to contact us.”
There are many reputable animal welfare charities that can offer help and advice for those who find themselves in a difficult situation, and the RSPCA encourages anyone in a difficult situation to seek support.
The charity has launched a dedicated cost of living hub to help people and has more than 200 Pet Food Bank Partnerships across the country to support struggling pet owners.
