SSPCA investigating after four dumped puppies die

THE Scottish SPCA has launched a major investigation after five badly injured puppies - battered in the head and chest with a blunt instrument - were “cruelly” dumped outside the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.
The surviving puppy is being looed after by the SSPCA. Picture: submittedThe surviving puppy is being looed after by the SSPCA. Picture: submitted
The surviving puppy is being looed after by the SSPCA. Picture: submitted

Tragically four of the five terrier-type puppies died only moments after they were found on Remembrance Sunday, abandoned outside the home.

Officers from Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity were called in to investigate the incident after a cardboard box,containing four of the severely injured puppies, was discovered on a lane next to the dog and cat home on Seafield Road East on Sunday at around 1pm.

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The puppy which survived, believed to be from the same litter, was found wandering in a lane nearby.

An SSPCA spokesman said today: “All five pups were crossbreeds, possibly of terrier type, and thought to be approximately five to six weeks old. The sole surviving puppy is now being cared for by staff at the

Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home (EDCH), where he has been named Soldier after being found on Remembrance Sunday.”

Scottish SPCA Inspector Emma Phillips said: “Soldier was the only puppy to have escaped serious injury and he appears to be doing well despite the horrific circumstances he and his littermates were found in.

“The puppies were clearly in urgent need of medical attention and should have been taken straight to a vet rather than being dumped outside in a box.

“A post mortem examination has revealed that three of the puppies sustained skull fractures caused by a blunt instrument while one other puppy had chest injuries, again consistent with blunt force trauma.

“All four of the dead puppies had internal bleeding and were caused suffering prior to their death.”

She said the SSPCA was treating the incident as a case of “severe animal cruelty.” And the charity is now appealing to the public for help in tracing those responsible for the crime.

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Inspector Phillips continued: “We understand that an EDCH staff member was returning to her car which was parked on the lane which runs between the home and the car dealership next door when she spotted the cardboard box containing the puppies lying on the ground.

“She reported seeing two men in a silver car close by. One of the men was seen walking back towards the car before he got in and drove off with the other man. We are very keen to speak to these people, or anyone else who was in the area at the time of the incident.”

The SSPCA spokeswoman said: “Causing an animal unnecessary suffering and abandoning an animal are offences under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life. Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Meanwhile, the SSPCA is also appealing for information after a dog was dumped in a Falkirk garden, weighing less than half her ideal body weight. The weak and emaciated Staffordshire bull terrier was abandoned in a garden in the town’s River Street on Sunday night.

The young dog, who has been named Daisy, is still in a critical state and remains under veterinary care.

Inspector Leanne McPake of the SSPCA, said: “Daisy is just 8kgs when she should weigh at least 15 to 16kgs, if not more. She is still so weak that she is unable to stand unaided and she can barely lift her head.”

She continued: “We believe Daisy has given birth within the last few weeks and we are very concerned for the welfare of her pups. She is now receiving the veterinary treatment she desperately needs, but Daisy is still in a very bad way and, sadly, at this stage we aren’t sure if she will survive.

“If anyone recognises this poor girl and knows who she belonged to we’d urge them to contact us in confidence on 03000 999 999.”

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