Puppies dumped in Laois on road to recovery
The Highfield Vets team with the six little pups that were abandoned in a cardboard box
SIX tiny puppies dumped in a cardboard box in a Laois field are doing well in foster care, after intensive treatment by a veterinary team.
A local dog rescue service was alerted, after the collie pups were discovered in a field in the Ballyfin area this week.
Cara Rescue Dogs 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 on Tuesday, after volunteers were informed that the pups, aged about five weeks, 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.’
All six puppies are now receiving excellent care in foster homes.
The charity gave those responsible for dumping the puppies 24 hours to come forward, before a full investigation was launched regarding the cruel incident.
They said: ‘We understand that unwanted litters happen. This is not about blame or judgement. 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.
‘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 volunteer Lorraine McEvoy told the today that an ISPCA inspector will carry out a full investigation, after nobody came forward in response to the appeal.
She said: “We are pursuing it and all details are now in the hands of the inspector for investigation, as this type of incident is unfortunately far too common. However, it’s never too late for someone to come forward, so we would still appeal to them to contact us.”
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 also thanked Highfield Vets and everyone who responded to the foster appeal, saying that the response was overwhelming.
The charity said: ‘Your kindness reminds us every day just how powerful this community is.’
