Dumped puppies 'lucky to survive hot weather'

A litter of four, day-old puppies found dumped in a shoebox in a graveyard are lucky to have survived the hot spell of weather, the RSPCA has said.

The four puppies, all males, were handed in to the RSPCA Solent Branch, Fareham, Hampshire, after they were found by a member of the public in the Portsmouth area on 24 June.

The charity said they were "very lucky" they were found as they need feeding every two hours and "due to the hot weather this could have had a very different outcome".

Staff at the centre have set up a puppy rota to hand rear the litter.

They will be placed into foster homes in the coming weeks before being put up for adoption once they reach eight weeks old.

The charity said: "As always, our amazing team here at The Ark, immediately got to action in caring for these sweet boys.

"All four puppies are bottle feeding well, gaining weight and just about to open their eyes.

"Although our dedicated staff are volunteering round-the-clock care every few hours, time away from their biological mum at this critical time will be having an impact on their development - both physically and psychologically.

"The staff are highly concerned for the welfare of mum who has been separated from her puppies. This must be a distressing time for her."

The centre added it would be able to establish their breed "in the coming weeks when more of their characteristics come through".

After taking in the litter the charity started a fundraising appeal to help cover food and care for the puppies and their further needs, including vaccinations, microchipping and neutering.

RSPCA Solent Branch, known as The Stubbington Ark, is an independent branch of the RSPCA, and a separately registered charity.

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