The RSPCA says it is extremely concerned about the welfare of a litter of puppies after their mum was abandoned, along with another female dog, outside the charity’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital at Eccles New Road in Salford.
CCTV footage shows a man tying the dogs to a bicycle stand outside the charity’s building at about 3pm on Thursday 29 May before walking away and heading west. The dogs were brought inside by concerned staff after it became clear that the man wasn’t coming back.
An appeal for anyone who recognises him, has been made by the RSPCA.
Described as sweet-natured and friendly, both dogs were examined by one of the hospital’s vets. The white and tan wired-haired lurcher, who is thought to be around five years old, had milk coming from her teats and blood visible around the vulva area – both of which indicate that she had recently given birth and was nursing puppies.
Further examination revealed she had an old fracture on her back left leg, between her paw and hock, which had healed over.
The tan-coloured dog had old scarring on her body and face and was microchipped to an address in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Her chip revealed she is called Xena and is six. Enquiries are being made by the RSPCA to establish how she came to be in the Salford area.
RSPCA inspector Beth Fazackerley, who is investigating the incident, said: “We’re extremely concerned that there’s a litter of puppies out there who will have been separated from their mum at a very early age. We don’t know whether they’re receiving the appropriate care they need at this vitally important time, if they’re ill or indeed what may have happened to them.
“It’s also very distressing for mum to be away from her pups, who may not be physically or mentally strong enough to cope on their own without her.
“Despite what’s happened to them, both dogs have got lovely temperaments. They are very gentle and calm and we’ll look to place them with loving new owners in due course. We’re very keen to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV footage and we’d urge them to get in touch with us.”
The lurchers are currently being looked after on behalf of the RSPCA at a private kennel and are doing well.
People with information can contact the RSPCA appeal line, in confidence, on 0300 123 8018.
