Seven chihuahua pups and their mum have been found dumped in a box with no obvious signs of ventilation by the side of a bin in Newry.
A member of the public contacted the USPCA when she discovered the pups and their mum in a distressed state.
The box was soaking wet and had no food or bedding in it, so they kindly transferred mum and pups to a dry, ventilated box with bedding and food before bringing them to the USPCA Animal Hospital in Newry.
The pups, which are approximately only one week old, and their mum, are now being cared for by the vet team at the USPCA. The Animal Welfare Officer at the USPCA stated that the mum was “cowering over and looked extremely nervous”.
Nora Smith, CEO of the USPCA, thanked the member of the public for reporting the abandoned pups.
She said: “Only for the kindness of this individual I dread to think of the outcome of the mum and her pups. It never fails to amaze me how some people can be so cruel to animals. There are a myriad of horrible ways in which this dog and her pups could have died.
“Animals are not commodities, to be disposed of or dumped. They are vulnerable living creatures and should only be surrounded by love and affection.”
She added: “We are at capacity in the centre presently, the number of animals being surrendered to us is putting us under extreme pressure. We will always respond and do our best by animals. However, I also want to remind and plea with anybody who is thinking about getting a pet, to know it comes with significant responsibility.
“I would also encourage anyone who is considering buying a pet, please consider a rescue. There are thousands of dogs, pups, cats and kittens who desperately need to find their forever home.”
