A dog – who was emaciated and dehydrated when she was rescued during the heatwave last month – is being cared for by the RSPCA.
Lollie the lurcher and her eight puppies have all been named after ice creams after arriving at RSPCA Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home, in Gloucestershire, on one of the hottest days of the year.
Lollie and her pups – named Ben, Jerry, Calippo, Chupa, Rockets, Whippy, Vimto and Zap – were signed over into the care of the RSPCA after being found living in unsuitable conditions in Bristol.
Rescuers are concerned about the number of animals being neglected and abused, and fears that the rising cost of living could create an animal welfare crisis as people struggle to cope. It comes as the RSPCA launches its Cancel Out Cruelty fundraising campaign to help its frontline teams save more animals during the busy summer months.
Jane Ellis, from Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home, said: “Lollie and her litter were all living in a shed and Lollie was in a really poor condition; extremely emaciated, dehydrated and covered in wounds.
“Despite her state, she did her very best to take care of her eight puppies, and thankfully, they’re all now doing well. She can now rest easy and concentrate on getting better while we help with the busy and growing puppies.
“Lollie is on a special feeding programme to help her gain weight and build her muscle. The whole family is doing well, but this care and treatment comes at a cost and we’re hoping the public can help.”
Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home has set up a special fundraiser to raise the £3,000 they estimate they’ll need to take care of the family and prepare them to go off to their forever homes.
This is just one example of the work the RSPCA does every day to help animals in need: like Lollie and her family. The charity, which works across England and Wales, sadly sees a rise in reports if animal cruelty over the summer months.
Cotswold Dogs & Cats Home is a separate branch of the RSPCA and carries out its own fundraising.
To support the animal centre to rehabilitate and rehome more animals, like Lollie and her pups, you can donate online or sign up to sponsor a specific resident.
