The RSPCA is investigating after three puppies were found dumped in a box in County Durham just days before Easter.
A man found the puppies in a red and white box in an alley off Grainger Street, Darlington, on Thursday night (18 April).
RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson went out to collect the puppies and said: “The man was walking past when he heard a squeaking noise coming from the box and went to investigate. Thank goodness he did because inside he found the tiny terrier puppies.
“He said he’d walked past this location not long before and the box hadn’t been there so we believe they’d just been abandoned. The puppies inside the box which was filthy with faeces and urine.”
Inspector Wilson took the puppies to a local vets for a check-up where they are now being cared for. They’re believed to be between four and five-weeks old. The two black and white puppies are female, and the brown and white puppy is a male.
“They are very dirty and smelly and are riddled with worms, so they’ll need a good bath and flea and worm treatment at the vets,” Inspector Wilson added. “the two girls also have suspected hernias.”
The puppies – now named Peanut, Butter and Jelly – were fostered by one of the vet nurses over the Bank Holiday weekend. Once they’re old enough and well enough they will be rehomed.
Inspector Wilson added: “I’d like to appeal to anyone who may have CCTV in this area or any witnesses who saw anyone acting suspiciously around this location to get in touch. I’d also like to hear from anyone who recognises the puppies or may have information on where they’ve come from.
“These pups are too young to leave their mother and I dread to think what would have happened if they hadn’t been found so quickly. I’d also be concerned about their mother’s welfare, so I’d like to follow up any enquires as quickly as possible.”
Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
