Puppies abandoned in cardboard box in Laois field

TINY puppies found abandoned in a cardboard box in a Laois field are being cared for by a veterinary team today.

An animal rescue service was alerted, after six little pups were discovered in a field in the Ballyfin area.

Laois-based Cara Rescue Dogs has given the owner 24 hours to come forward, before a full investigation begins regarding the cruel incident.

The group said: ‘These puppies were incredibly lucky to be found. In the recent weather, they may not have survived much longer.’ The charity launched an urgent appeal this morning, after volunteers were told that the pups were ‘found abandoned in a cardboard box in a field in the Ballyfin area’.

The group said on social media: ‘At the time, we had absolutely nowhere for them to go. Within a very short time, the incredible team at Highfield Vets in Portlaoise stepped in without hesitation and offered to take all six puppies for the next night or two, while we arrange emergency foster homes.

‘The puppies are safe, being weighed, wormed, checked over and receiving the care they desperately needed. We honestly cannot thank the vets and veterinary nurses enough for their kindness and compassion.’ 

The charity also launched one further important appeal, in a bid to identify those responsible, saying: ‘If these puppies belong to you, or you know where they came from, we are asking you to please contact us within the next 24 hours. We are offering complete anonymity.

‘We understand that unwanted litters happen. This is not about blame or judgment. Our only concern is making sure their mammy is safe, that there are no more puppies left behind and helping to have her neutered, so this never has to happen again.’ 

While the long-running animal welfare group has its headquarters in Mountmellick, it relies mainly on foster homes to care for rescued dogs.

The group said: ‘If someone comes forward within the next 24 hours, we give our word that we will treat the matter with complete confidentiality and take it no further.

‘However, if nobody comes forward, we will have no option but to request a full investigation into this incident. Sadly, this is not the first time something like this has happened and we cannot keep allowing it to continue.

‘Contact can be made via text or WhatsApp to 086 0594375 - please do the right thing.'

Cara also thanked everyone who responded to a foster appeal this morning, saying that the response has been overwhelming.

They said: ‘We're working our way through all of the messages as quickly as we can. Your kindness reminds us every day just how powerful this community is.’